Peer Rejection

Paper Summary:

The paper discusses a number of studies to suggest that peer rejection, especially during adolescence, may be a significant stressor that is associated with harmful adjustment problems both as an adolescent and an adult. The paper states that research findings reveal that peer rejection is particularly related to increases in developmental issues. The paper discusses the findings with specific references to theories,studies and research on the subject.

From the Paper:

" Social belonging is a primary human need, therefore it comes as no surprise that research suggests people are more psychologically healthy when part of social groups. To the contrary, being excluded or isolated can be very emotionally painful and associated with a number of negative effects including anxiety, depression, anger, and shame (MacDonald & Leary, 2005). Early positive attachments and being integrated into a loving and responsive adult-child relationship is clearly necessary for mental health and well being. As a child ages into adolescence, the need for peer group membership develops normally. Peer rejection in adolescence is found to have an especially negative impact as compared to at a younger age. Adolescents rely on peers as a basis of comparison for appraising themselves for social and personal worth, because of their increased reliance on peers for guidance, support and intimacy. Thus, adolescents who are not accepted may have problems in identity development and forming a sense of personal worth and self-concept."

Sample of Sources Used:

• American Journal of Public Health (2007) Peer rejection tied to early sex in pre-teens.
• Bagwell, C.L., Newcomb, A.F., and Bukowski, W.M. (1998) Preadolescent Friendship and Peer Rejection as Predictors of Adult Adjustment. Child Development 69(1): 140-153
• Bierman, K.L. (2004) Peer Rejection: Developmental Processes and Intervention Strategies. New York: Guilford Press.
• Boivin, M., Hymel, S., & Bukowski, W. M. (1995). The roles of social withdrawal, peer rejection, and victimization by peers in predicting loneliness and depressed mood in childhood. Development and Psychopathology, 7, 765-785.
• Crick, N. R. (1996). The role of overt aggression, relational aggression, and prosocial behavior in the prediction of children's future social adjustment. Child Development, 67, 2317-2327.

More papers on Peer Rejection:

• Article Review # 145646 : "Children and Peer Relationships - An Article Review"
• Research Paper # 108043 : "Peer Acceptance and Academic Achievement"
• Research Paper # 108623 : "Peer Approval and Scholastic Achievement"

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