13.3 Status in the Peer Group

peer status

the degree to which a child is liked or disliked by their peers

sociometric status

classifies children into groups based on how much they are liked or disliked by peers

classified children into one of five groups

1. popular

2. rejected

3. neglected

4. average

5. controversial

what happens over time with sociometric status?

1. over relatively short periods, children who are popular or rejected tend to remain so, whereas children who are neglected or controversial are likely to acquire a different status

2. over time, sociometric status can change

why are some children liked better than others?

physical attraction, athleticism and social skills, personality traits, and shared interests

popular children

children who are accepted by peers and are skilled at initiating and maintaining positive relationships

social behavior characteristics of popular children

cooperative, friendly, sociable, and emotionally regulated.

rejected children

children who lack acceptance from peers and may be aggressive or withdrawn

aggressive-rejected

children who are prone to hostile behavior and often engage in physical aggression

withdrawn-rejected

children who are socially timid and frequently victimized by peers

neglected children

children who are neither liked nor disliked by peers; they are socially withdrawn but competent

controversial children

children who are liked by some and disliked by others, often having traits of both popular and rejected children

social competence

the ability to interact effectively with peers, often seen in popular and neglected children

cultural differences in peer status

variations in how children's social behavior is perceived based on cultural context

theory of mind

the ability to understand others' feelings and thoughts; often less developed in rejected children

relational aggression

a form of aggression focused on damaging relationships or social status, often seen in aggressive-rejected children.

negative feedback loop

a cycle where rejected children become increasingly isolated and disliked.