Children are increasingly using computer technologies to engage in acts of aggression against peers, often termed "cyber aggression". Media reports have sensationalized instances of cyber aggression, and social scientists have begun to examine its characteristics and consequences. Using a younger sample of children than most previous research (192…

Investigates differences in social cognitive processing between two sub-types of aggressive children in grades two through four: those rejected by their peers and those not rejected. Descriptive discriminant analysis reveals that aggressive nonrejected children were more likely to believe that aggression leads to positive outcomes, and were more…

Sociometric nominations were used to select groups of popular, average, rejected, and neglected among 101 third- and 219 fifth-grade children. In contrast to popular children, rejected children displayed fewer task appropriate behaviors and more task inappropriate and aggressive behaviors. (Author/SW)

Fourth and fifth grade boys who were or were not rejected by peers reported how they would handle conflictual interactions described in vignettes. Rejected boys who were aggressive or residual, that is, neither aggressive nor submissive, exhibited less integration of personal and relational goals than did nonrejected boys. (BC)

Although considerable research exists on the behavioral characteristics of low-accepted children, few studies have examined gender differences in the types of behavior which distinguish between low-accepted children and their better-accepted classmates. This study examined the relative power, for each gender, of different behavioral…

Examines children's cognitive phases by describing the role that distinctiveness and consistency information play in the causal attributions and behavior of peer-rejected and aggressive children. Correlates the existence of social information and lack of social information to the response style. (RJC)

A total of 95 boys between 6 and 12 years of age were assigned to 1 of 4 groups based on the presence or absence of aggression and rejection and were assessed for conduct problems, sociability, and adaptability to peer expectations. Discusses the distinct problem profiles that emerged. (MDM)

Measures of peer acceptance and peers' social reputation were administered to 8 and 10 year olds in Shanghai, China, and Ontario, Canada. Results indicated that sociability was correlated with peer acceptance, and aggression with peer rejection, in both countries. Shyness was negatively correlated with peer acceptance in the Canadian sample. (BC)

Cluster analyses were employed in two studies to explore the possibility of discernible subtypes within the population of peer-rejected boys aged 9-11. Consistent patterns were seen in both studies when children in each cluster were compared with each other and with those in a popular comparison group. (RJC)

Examined age-related changes in the organization underlying children's ratings of peer social deviance. Peer ratings of aggression, withdrawal, and likeability using the Pupil Evaluation Inventory (PEI) were collected from first, fourth, and seventh graders. For all ages aggression and likeability items were found to comprise cohesive categories…

Information on children's academic achievement and social adjustment was gathered from multiple sources over two years, beginning in grades four and six. Found that children's academic achievement predicted their social competence and peer acceptance; and children's social competence, aggression, leadership, and peer acceptance contributed to…

Followed two large cohorts of African-American third graders from low-income families into early adolescence. Assessed adjustment at end of first year of middle school by teacher and parent ratings and by adolescent self-reports. Found that both childhood aggression and peer rejection appeared to be significant predictors of adolescent disorder,…

Defined peer-rated, narrow-band dimensions of undercontrolled behavior of 362 third through sixth grade boys that was associated with peer rejection. Results revealed three narrow-band dimensions in the peer perceptions of grade school boys: (1) aggression; (2) hyperactivity; and (3) inattention-immaturity. (SH)

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)

While most are familiar with the expression, "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but names can never hurt me," children are often hurt by name-calling. This video with accompanying six page study guide is intended to show the effects of name-calling and inspire children to treat others with kindness and acceptance. The 22-minute video…