What Do the Cool Kids Do? Links Between Behavior and Status in Early Adolescence

• In Event: Poster Session 15
  In Poster Session: Human Development 2

Abstract

The present research examines the longitudinal association between students’ behavior in the classroom and social status in early adolescence. Participants were students in 22 5th grade classrooms from elementary schools, and 20 6th grade classrooms from middle schools. The total sample (n = 779) was about half female and ethnically diverse. Cross-lagged panel modeling was used to examine the bidirectional association across the school year between academic, prosocial, and disruptive behaviors and coolness and admiration, among 5th graders in elementary school and 6th graders in middle school. Findings highlight the complex association between social status and classroom behavior. Differences between 5th graders and 6th graders illustrate changing peer culture in early adolescence.

Authors

• Elizabeth Anne North, University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

• Allison M. Ryan, University of Michigan - Ann Arbor