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…

Constructed and administered self-report instruments measuring self-perceived social impact and social preference of male and female high school students (N=115). Teachers identified youths thought to fit categories of popular, amiable, isolated or rejected students. Concluded self-report and teacher nominations are unrelated assessments of…

The Interpersonal Relationship Assessment Technique was developed and the relationship between academic tracking and degree of cross-ethnic acceptance in integrated homeroom classes was examined. Among 2,323 Israeli junior high students, the degree of cross-ethnic acceptance was positively related to the academic status of evaluated classmates.…

To determine how nonhandicapped children view the mildly intellectually handicapped children in special classes, 286 mildly intellectually handicapped (10 to 16 years old) and 363 nonhandicapped (10 to 14 years old) children were administered attitude questionnaires. (SBH)

The effect of reading difficulties and antisocial behavior on peer rejection and popularity was studied with 198 lower-class boys, grades 1 and 2. Poor readers who were stable and conformed to classroom requirements were no more rejected than good readers who conformed; however, they were less popular. (Author/CP)

Reports that children in three age groups (second, fourth, and sixth grades) held firm body-build stereotypes that increased with age but that individual subjects did not apply such stereotypic judgments to their classmates, nor did their self-esteem correlate to their own build or popularity. (Author/RL)

Pupils, ages 15-16, completed a self-evaluative checklist from which self-concept groups were identified by cluster analysis. Academic attainment distinguished significantly among groups. Students also ranked qualities describing their most popular peers. Physical attributes (athleticism, attractiveness, sexuality) proved to be the main criteria…

This review examines the literature on the social and behavioral characteristics of the educable mentally retarded (EMR), as children and as adults, which might influence their acceptance or rejection by non-EMR peers in a regular classroom. Attempts to modify undesirable behaviors are also reviewed. The conclusions are pessimistic. (SJL)

Two studies examined relationships of the number of reciprocated friendships, peer acceptance, and group membership to academic achievement in two samples of sixth graders. Found that group membership was the most consistent predictor of grades over time. Longitudinal analyses found that peer relationships were related indirectly to classroom…

A model is presented for assessing students with learning disabilities suspected of having social difficulties. Categories for assessment are described, including affective status, self-efficacy, social status, social skills, and the absence of destructive behaviors. Examples of assessment measures are provided for each category and the model's…

This article presents factors and characteristics that make children and youth with learning disabilities vulnerable to bullying. Risk factors and effects of bullying are reviewed and the following intervention strategies are highlighted: increasing community awareness and changing attitudes; social skills training; and individual, group, and…

Replicated and extended American research on overt and relational aggression with Italian children. Found that peer and teacher nominations for aggression and prosocial behavior were highly stable, although with very poor concordance between them. Peer nominations for overt and relational aggression were linked to peer rejection. Boys' scores were…

Surveyed fourth-, seventh-, and tenth-graders in Japan and the United States regarding evaluations of peer group exclusion of atypical peers. Found that with increasing age, children demonstrated sensitivity to context (reason the peer was different) and believed that the excluded child should not change to be accepted. Girls were less willing to…

Behavioral correlates of social status and the relative importance of physical appearance, reputation, and current behavior in the assignment of social status by peers was assessed in 2 studies of elementary school students (68 and 119 students, respectively). Videotapes and photographs were used to compare popular, rejected, and neglected…

When 340 extremely mathematically or verbally talented 13 year olds were compared to 111 modestly gifted students, no differences were found in group activity participation or personality traits. In their ratings of peer perceptions, the modestly gifted exceeded the extremely gifted in being considered athletic and popular and in social standing.…