Age differences in peer ratings of socially desirable and socially undesirable behavior.

Abstract

Walder's peer nomination inventory was given to elementary school children and college students and the data analyzed for age differences. The first two factors are essentially the same as Walder's factors and are unaffected by Ss age. The third child factor is similar to Walder's third factor of socially undesirable non-aggressive traits but is better differentiated and more general, including several items measuring rebelliousness. Two additional factors appear in the adult sample, one defined by rebellion and rejection items and one by dominance items.