“They Like Me, They Like Me Not”: Popularity and Adolescents’ Perceptions of Acceptance Predicting Social Functioning Over Time

Abstract

This study examined the dual roles of adolescents' perceptions of social acceptance and sociometric popularity in predicting relative changes over time in adolescents' social functioning. Observational, self-report, and peer report data were obtained from 164 adolescents who were interviewed at age 13 years and then again at age 14 years, as well as their same-sex close friends. Adolescents who felt positively about their own social standing fared well over time, regardless of their level of sociometric popularity. Further, low popularity was particularly problematic for adolescents who failed to see themselves as fitting in. Results suggest that during adolescence, when it becomes increasingly possible for teens to choose their own social niches, it is possible to be socially successful without being broadly popular.

Behavioral Correlates of Prioritizing Popularity in Adolescence

“…Furthermore, adolescents' popularity is positively related to various markers of social adaptation, such as ego development, attachment security, and friendship competence (Allen et al 2005). Popularity is also predictive of subsequent friendship quality, as well as an increased number of received friendship nominations (McElhaney et al 2008). In conclusion, popularity is associated with both negative behavior (e.g., antisocial and risk behavior) and positive behavior (e.g., prosocial behavior).…”

Mothers’ and Fathers’ Responsive Problem Solving with Early Adolescents: Do Gender, Shyness, and Social Acceptance Make a Difference?

“…Shyness may present a heightened risk for poor social acceptance during middle childhood as it is perceived as non-normative behavior during a developmental period characterized by the increasing importance of peers' opinions and values (Rubin and Stewart 1996). In late childhood into adolescence, shyness has been associated with both negative social self-perceptions (Hymel et al 1990;McElhaney et al 2008) and low peer acceptance (McElhaney et al 2008;Rubin 1993).…”

Sexting, Texting, Cyberbullying and Keeping Youth Safe Online

“…As a child grows into adolescence, peer relationships are of increasing importance and positive peer interaction during adolescence is an indicator of the ability to maintain successful relationships in adulthood (McElhaney et al, 2008). As they grow, they are confronted with peer pressure and interpersonal conflicts.…”

“…As they grow, they are confronted with peer pressure and interpersonal conflicts. Bullying negatively impacts children and adolescents' abilities to create peer relationships and maintain a healthy lifestyle (Dake et al, 2003;McElhaney et al, 2008;Sumalatha and Ramakrishnaiah, 2004). When children know how to choose and maintain good friends, they feel confident and safe.…”