lumen Adolescent Psychology Changing Peer Relationships Sociometric Peer Status Sociometric Peer Status Search A teen's status among their peers will influence their membership in peer groups and their ability to make friends. Sociometric status is a measure- ment that reflects the degree to which someone is liked or disliked by their peers as a group. In developmental psychology, this system has been used to examine children's status in peer groups, its stability over time, the characteristics that determine it, and the long-term implications of one's popularity or rejection by peers. The most commonly used sociometric system, developed by Cole & Dodge (1988), asks children to rate how much they like or dislike each of their classmates and uses these responses to classify them into five groups. liked" nominations. Number of most Many Number of "least liked" nominations Many Controversial Average Rejected Few Popular Neglected Figure 11.3.1. Sociometric peer statuses. Popular adolescents are those liked by many of their peers and disliked by few. These individuals are skilled at social interactions and maintain positive peer relationships. They tend to be cooperative, friendly, socia- ble, and sensitive to others. They are capable of being assertive without being aggressive, thus can get what they want without harming others. Among this group, there may be distinct levels of popularity: Accepted teens are the most common sub-group among the popu- lar. While they are generally well-liked, they are not as magnetic as the very popular kids. Very popular teens are highly charismatic and draw peers to them. Rejected teens are designated as rejected if they receive many negative nominations and few positive nominations. These individuals often have poor academic performance and more behavior problems in school. They are also at higher risk for delinquent behaviors and legal problems. These kids are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD, conduct disorder, and substance abuse. They tend to be isolated, lonely and are at risk for de- pression. Rejected youth can be categorized into two types: Aggressive-rejected teens display hostile and threatening behavior, are physically aggressive, and disruptive. They may bully others, withhold friendship, ignore and exclude others. While they are lack- ing, they tend to overestimate their social competence. Withdrawn-rejected teens are socially withdrawn, wary, timid, anx- ious in social situations, and lack confidence. They are at risk of be- ing bullied. Individuals that are liked by many peers, but also dislike by many are des- ignated as controversial. This group may possess characteristics of both the popular and the rejected group. These individuals tend to be aggres- sive, disruptive, and prone to anger. However, they may also be coopera- tive and social. They are often socially active and a good group leader. Their peers often view them as arrogant and snobbish. The neglected teens are designated as neglected if they receive few pos- itive or negative nominations. These children are not especially liked or disliked by peers and tend to go unnoticed. As a result, they may be iso- lated and especially avoid confrontation or aggressive interactions. This group does tend to do well academically. Finally, the average teens are designated as such because they receive an average number of both positive and negative nominations. They are liked by a small group of peers, but not disliked by very many. Sociometric Peer Status Rejected Kids Average&Ambiguous Kids Controversial Neglected Kids Kids Accepted Kids Very Popular Kids Rejected- Aggressive Rejected - Have a Are Examples Tend to be Most Are generally Submissive small both kids can kids are group liked bullies, are rebels streng academically but stuggle kids fall they are not Have characteristics lose their tempers withdrawn of and and class to make into friends disliked clowns friends this the people magnets that very popular kids are that draw people to them Figure 11.3.2. Sociometric peer statuses and characteristics. Popularity What makes an adolescent popular? Several physical, cognitive, and be- havioral factors impact popularity. First, adolescents that are perceived to be physically attractive tend to be more popular among their peers. Cognitive traits matter too. Individuals that demonstrate higher intelli- gence and do well academically tend to be more liked. Also, those that can take another's perspective and demonstrate social problem-solving skills are favored. Teens that can manage their emotions and behave ap- propriately gain higher status. Finally, teens like peers that are confident without being conceited. Interventions What can be done to help those adolescents that are not well-liked? For neglected teens, social skills training and encouraging them to join activi- ties can help them become noticed by their peers and make friends. For rejected teens, they may need support to help with anger management, to overcome anxiety, and cope with depression. This group can also ben- efit from social skills training to learn social competence and gain confidence. LICENSES AND ATTRIBUTIONS Previous Lumencandela Privacy Policy Next