Developmental Trajectories for Peer Rejection in Preschool Children Based on Latent Growth Model

Abstract

This research examined the trajectories of peer rejection in preschool children. This study also investigated the gender differences in the intercept and slope of the trajectories for peer rejection along with the influences of aggression, withdrawal and language ability on the trajectories of peer rejection. A latent growth curve model investigated peer rejection in 3 to 5 year olds. Three hundred and thirteen 3-year-old children were recruited from five preschools and 14 daycare centers. The children`s language ability was measured by a Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of intelligence verbal test and teachers completed measurements for aggression and withdrawal. A peer nomination inventory was used to assess peer rejection. Children were asked to nominate three classmates who they do not like to play with. The research findings showed that peer rejection decreased during the preschool years. Compared with girls, boys showed higher levels of peer rejection and a slower change rate of peer rejection. Girls who were aggressive showed high levels of peer rejection and a slow change rate of peer rejection. Moreover, girls who had a high levels language showed low levels of peer rejection and a slow change rate of peer rejection. These findings imply that language ability could be a protective factor of peer rejection for girls.