Peer experiences and social self-perceptions: a sequential model.
This study evaluated a social process model describing how aggression and withdrawal lead to negative social self-perceptions. The model posited both direct (i.e., cognitions associated with withdrawal) and indirect (i.e., mediations of negative peer status and peer experiences) influences. Eight- to 10-year-old children (n = 793) completed peer assessment measures of aggression, withdrawal, peer status, victimization and affiliations, and self-reports of loneliness, perceived acceptance, and perceived behavior-conduct. As expected, the model was supported for social self-perceptions but not for perceived behavior-conduct. Withdrawn behavior uniquely predicted social self-perceptions. Both negative peer status and peer victimization successively mediated the impact of social behavior on loneliness and perceived acceptance. Classroom affiliations did not mediate social self-perceptions.
Boivin
M
M
Ecole de Psychologie, Université Laval, Ste-Foy, Québec, Canada. michel.boivin@psy.ulaval.ca
Hymel
S
S
D000374:Aggression / Q000523:psychology; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008132:Loneliness; D008297:Male; D010379:Peer Group; D012059:Rejection, Psychology; D012649:Self Concept; D012917:Social Adjustment; D012919:Social Behavior; D012934:Social Isolation; D012963:Sociometric Techniques