Reciprocal relationships between sociometric indices of social status and aggressive behavior in children

Abstract

The goal of this study was to assess the reciprocal longitudinal relationships between sociometric status and aggressive behavior in children. Overt and relational aggressive behaviors were differentiated in order to study the diverse associations within peer acceptance and rejection. A total of 777 boys and girls from 8 to 12 years of age filled in peer nomination instruments to measure aggressive behavior and sociometric status. The results revealed that overt aggression at T1 led to rejection at T2. Furthermore, reciprocal relationships were found between rejection and overt aggressive behavior among boys but not among girls. Among girls, acceptance by peers at T1 predicted relational aggression at T2. Differences between boys' and girls' acceptance and rejection of their aggressive peers are also discussed.