This study investigated whether the perception of self as socially rejected might contribute to increased physical aggression among elementary-school children. It was hypothesized that physically aggressive children would become more physically aggressive over time if they perceived that they were rejected and tended to blame peers for social…

In a study of 452 kindergartners and first graders, it was found that young children understand the concept of loneliness and can make reliable reports of their loneliness. Results indicated that it was possible to reliably assess the loneliness of young children. (GLR)

Assessed feelings of loneliness of two subgroups of unpopular children, those sociometrically rejected and those sociometrically neglected. Data from 200 third through sixth graders indicated that rejected children were the most lonely group and differed significantly from other status groups. Neglected children did not differ from higher status…

Evaluates a method of identifying rejected elementary school children that involves the use of positive-nomination and rating scale measures. Shows rejected children can be identified with reasonable accuracy without administering a negative-nomination measure. (HOD)

A 16-item self-report measure of loneliness and social dissatisfaction was developed to survey 506 third- through sixth-grade children. The measure was found to be internally reliable; more than 10 percent of subjects reported feelings of loneliness and social dissatisfaction; and children's feelings of loneliness were significantly related to…

Recent research indicates that a considerable number of children report extreme feelings of loneliness and that unpopular children are more lonely than popular children. The present study assessed feelings of loneliness in two subgroups of unpopular children: those who were rejected (low on positive and high on negative peer nominations) and those…

Studied patterns of behavior and emotional response associated with peer rejection in early adolescence. Obtained data on seventh and eighth graders' loneliness, social dissatisfaction, and concerns. The combination of aggressiveness and submissiveness with low levels of prosocial behavior was associated with peer rejection. (GLR)

Focuses on implications for intervention and highlights conceptual and methodological advances in studies establishing a causal link between social behavior and peer status. Studies reviewed investigate social interaction over time, use fine-grained coding systems, employ multiple measures, and videotape behavior in carefully designed analogue…

This paper describes an observational methodology designed to permit increased understanding of the day-to-day social world of school children. The methodology was developed in the course of investigations of the extent to which children classified as rejected on sociometric measures actually experience overt rejection at school. Discussions of…

Obtained peer nominations, teacher reports, and self-reports for 423 sixth and seventh graders. Compared to sociometrically average status students, neglected students reported higher levels of motivation and were described by teachers as being more self-regulated, more prosocial, and better liked. Aggressive-rejected, but not submissive-rejected,…

The purposes of this study were to learn about: (1) ways of identifying children not accepted by their peers, (2) the behavioral correlates of peer acceptance, and (3) strategies of teaching social skills to isolated children. Sociometric assessment, behavioral observations, and teacher and peer interviews were obtained in eight 3rd-, 4th-, and…