Two studies of nursery school children examined the relationship between friendships and sociometric judgments of social status. (Author/BB)

Reports the findings of a naturalistic study of stigmatization processes in the peer interactions of a kindergarten class. Discusses the social construction of deviance, and the implications of labeling. (FMW)

Using sociometric ratings, both male and female adolescent deaf students (N=144) were found to exhibit a marked peer preference for female students. White students rated same-race students higher than they rated minority students, while minority students showed no significant difference in ratings for White and minority students. (Author/JDD)

The social status of 1,053 middle-school students was investigated. Students with learning disabilities received lower scores on teacher rating scales and a self-rating questionnaire, and received more negative and fewer positive votes on a peer survey. For all students, attractiveness and athletic ability highly correlated with positive peer…

Using a set of qualitative measures, 12 regular children in kindergarten and 12 regular children in grade 3 were asked to express their attitudes toward 3 same-age peers with special needs (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or learning disabilities). Results indicated that the kindergarten children were more accepting than were the grade 3…

This study examined strategies used by 18 general education teachers to promote positive relationships between elementary students with and without moderate to severe disabilities in inclusive classrooms. Five strategies were identified: active facilitation of social interactions, empowering children, building a sense of community, modeling…

Fifteen children with autism participated in monthly cooperative art activities with same-age nondisabled peers at a children's museum. Nondisabled children received information concerning disabilities and were encouraged to be friendly. Both younger and older children with autism received more positive interactions from nondisabled peers during…

This article suggests specific strategies to prevent rejection and isolation and encourage interactions when students with disabilities are integrated into general education classes. Teachers are encouraged to foster proximity, teach peer support and friendship skills, foster respect for individual differences, and provide a positive model. (DB)

Examines the socialization process of physically challenged children mainstreamed in an elementary school program. Concludes that an open and flexible classroom environment encourages individual independence, adaptation, and acceptance. (FMW)

Heterogeneity in 8- to 10-year-old girls who were rejected by their peers was investigated. Cluster analysis revealed two groups, the more deviant being characterized by withdrawal, anxiety, and low academic functioning. Aggression did not differentiate the two groups. (BC)

Examined relations between characterological versus behavioral self-blaming attributions for victimization and maladjustment in middle school students. Found that self-perceived victimization was associated with characterological self-blame, loneliness, anxiety, and low self-worth. Peer-perceived victimization was related to peer acceptance and…

This study examined loneliness and sense of coherence among 187 preschool children in Israel, of which 111 were at high risk for developing learning disabilities. The high risk children demonstrated higher levels of loneliness and lower levels of coherence than the control group. The high risk children also were less accepted by nondisabled peers.…

This interview with Mara Sapon-Shevin discusses her interest in students with learning disabilities and giftedness, the negative effects of labeling students, what teachers can do to improve the social climate and peer acceptance in heterogeneous classrooms, and the need for teachers to teach all students as if they are gifted. (CR)

Three studies examine the relationship of rejection sensitivity measured on the Children's Rejection Sensitivity Questionnaire to individual differences in response to peers' social rejection in urban, minority fifth to seventh graders. Found that rejection-sensitive children behaved more aggressively and experienced increased interpersonal…

Examined children's perceptions of peer behaviors to identify those likely to result in social rejection. Found three behavior groups leading to negative peer evaluation: academic- disruptive, anxious-depressed, and aggressive-antisocial. Found younger children were more negative toward disruptive and aggressive behavior, older children more…