A REFLECTION ON THE POPULARITY CONSTRUCT - THE IMPORTANCE OF WHO LIKES OR DISLIKES A CHILD

This study examined the relations between children's peer status and t he status of the groups of children who reported liking or disliking t hem. Ninety children completed a battery of sociometric measures at th ree time periods. Results showed that children tended to be liked by p eers who were similar, and disliked by peers who were dissimilar, in s ocial status and behavioral style. Compared to ''dislikers,'' the grou ps of children who liked a particular child were more homogeneous, and their relative social status was more stable across time. The importa nce of these results for understanding the group processes that cause and maintain peer rejection is discussed with a focus on intervention implications.