The impact of gossip valence on children's attitudes towards gossipers

Abstract

AbstractThis research explored children's attitudes towards gossipers in relation to gossip valence. Four‐ to 8‐year‐old children (N = 214) read three storybooks containing positive, neutral, or negative gossip statements. Following each book, children were interviewed on whom they viewed as nicer and more honest (ascription of desirable traits), whom they preferred to interact with (social preference), and whom they thought had more friends (perceived popularity), by choosing between a gossiper and a non‐gossiping character. The results indicated that overall, children held more favourable attitudes towards gossipers who made positive than negative or neutral statements about a target. This effect of gossip valence was more pronounced for 6‐ to 8‐year‐olds than for the younger children on the ascription of desirable traits. The findings will add to our understanding of how gossip serves as a source of social influence on children, and may have real‐world implications with regard to children's peer interactions in school context.Highlights This research explored children's attitudes toward gossipers in relation to gossip valence. Four‐ to 8‐year‐olds held more favorable attitudes toward gossipers who made positive than negative or neutral statements about a target. The findings may have real‐world implications with regard to children's social perception and peer interactions in school context.