A Descriptive Analysis of Maladjusted Behavior in Socially Rejected Children

Abstract

Children in regular classrooms who are rejected by their peers were identified through sociometric assessment. The rejected children were observed and rated on several behavioral dimensions. These data were factor analyzed which yielded five categories of maladjusted behavior observed in the socially rejected. Results indicated there were significant differences between rejected and accepted children. The behavioral manifestations were grouped into five categories and described in illustrative cases which were representative of types of rejected children: Impulsive Aggression; Immaturity/Depression; Withdrawn/Distractible; Hostile/Aggressive; and Psychomotor Difficulties.