Peer Social Support and Adjustment of Early Adolescent Peer Groups

Abstract

This study examined whether early adolescents in four sociometric groups (peer-rejected, -neglected, -popular, and -controversial) vary in their perceptions of peer social support and in their behavioral, psychosocial, and scholastic adjustment. Subjects were 101 sixth-graders who participated in the Pennsylvania Early Adolescent Transitions Study. Sociometric groups were formed using results from a peer nomination questionnaire. Self-ratings were used to index subjects' perceptions of social support from peers, and teacher-, parent-, and self-ratings of subjects' scholastic, behavioral, and psychosocial functioning served as indices of adjustment. The results indicated that peer-rejected youngsters were most deficient in perceived peer social support and exhibited the highest rate of adjustment problems. The effect of peer status on the social support received from peers and the importance of peer support in early adolescence are discussed.