Abstract

This study was designed to identify the patterns of behavior, conflict resolution strategy, loneliness, and delinquency associated with peer acceptance in early adolescence. Second grade middle school male students (N = 454) were administered with the following six measurements: positive and negative sociometric nominations, peer behavioral assessment items, conflict resolution strategies, a loneliness and social dissatisfaction questionnaire, and a newly developed problem behavior questionnaire. Results were as follows. First, peer perceptions of the behavioral correlates of five sociometric status groups were found to reveal distinct profiles. Second, in terms of conflict resolution strategies, the rejected and the controversial students were viewed as using the anger retaliation strategy more than did the popular, the neglected, and the average students. And the popular subjects were viewed as using a calm approach to conflict resolution more than other subjects. Third, the neglected students were found to report higher levels of loneliness. However, the rejected students did not differ on this dimension from the average status students. Finally, with regard to delinquency, the controversial and the rejected students were found to report higher rates of antisocial acts. Results are interpreted in terms of peer acceptance and friendship adjustment. Replication of the present findings with other samples is clearly needed.