A Positive View of Peer Acceptance in Aggressive Youth Risk for Future Peer Acceptance

Abstract

This study examines the relations between aggressive children's perceived levels of peer acceptance at Time 1 and actual levels of social preference and aggression 30 months later. Participants were 49 children nominated for one of two interventions by teachers for their aggressive behaviors in second or third grade at Time 1. This study used longitudinal data to determine whether a positive view of perceived peer acceptance is a risk factor for continued aggression and social rejection for aggressive children. Social preference scores were derived from sociometric assessment procedures at Time 1 and Time 2. Peer and teacher ratings of aggression were also obtained at Time 1 and Time 2. After controlling for baseline (Time 1) levels of aggression, perceived peer acceptance at Time 1 did not predict aggression at Time 2. However, children who reported higher levels of perceived peer acceptance at Time 1 received lower actual social preference scores at Time 2, after controlling for Time 1 levels of social preference. Implications of these findings for future research and for intervening with aggressive children are discussed.