Peer Relations Among Children Who are Underweight or Born with a Health Concern

• In Event: Poster Session 08
  In Poster Session: PS 08 Topic - Health, Growth, Injury

Abstract

BACKGROUND: This 2-sample exploratory study investigates the peer experience of children who are born with a health concern or are underweight in 1st grade. Due to their smaller size, it is possible that children who are underweight or born with a health concern (e.g., prematurity) have differing social relationship dynamics from those of their peers. Previous research has examined sociometric and weight status in school-aged children, but has focused on children who are overweight, not underweight (Cohen et al., 1989). There is evidence that some children with a very low birth weight are at risk for later behavior and cognitive problems (Scott et al., 2012), but the psychosocial correlates of concurrent low weight have rarely been studied among school-aged children, and the sociometric status of these children has never been examined. It could be that smaller-than-average children and those born with health issues are disliked by peers because of behavior problems or simply for being “different”. Alternatively, it could be that these children are favored; recent evolutionary-based, neurological studies have shown that smallness prompts affection and caregiving (Kringelbach et al., 2016). However, no studies were found that addressed smallness/health issues and subsequent sociometric status in children.

RESEARCH QUESTIONS:
• STUDY 1: Does the sociometric status of underweight school-aged children differ from that of their classmates?
• STUDY 2: Does the sociometric status of school-aged children born with health concerns differ from that of their classmates?

METHOD: In Study 1, anthropometric and sociometric status were assessed among 1100 children at school midway through 1st grade. Children were classified into four Weight Statuses: underweight (BMI% < 5%), healthy weight (5% < BMI% < 85), overweight (85% < BMI% < 95%), and obese (95% < BMI) (CDC, 2018).
In Study 2, 339 children were assessed during kindergarten, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grades. Child health status at birth was determined via interview with mother. Health Status included healthy or major/minor health concern.
Sociometric Status in both studies was based on individual interviews with the child’s classmates and resulted in classification as rejected, neglected, controversial, average, or popular status (Coie et al., 1982).

RESULTS: Chi-Square analyses with standardized residuals compared study children to classmates.
In Study 1, children who were underweight in 1st grade trended towards being more neglected and popular and less average in 1st grade as compared to their peers (see Figure 1)
In Study 2, there were differences in sociometric status between the healthy and health concern groups, but only during 3rd grade. Children born with a minor/major health concern were more likely to be rejected by their peers than those in the healthy category (see Figure 2).

DISCUSSION: The literature suggests that underweight infants experience difficulties in early childhood. However, evolutionary theory suggests that smallness may be a protective factor among the peer group if it evokes caregiving behaviors and positive attention. These exploratory results show that children with underweight and early health concerns may have unique trajectories. Future research should examine behavioral patterns among children who are underweight.

Authors

• Clarissa M Corkins, Oklahoma State University - Stillwater
  Presenting Author

• Laura Hubbs-Tait, Oklahoma State University - Stillwater
  Non-Presenting Author

• Glade Topham, Kansas State University
  Non-Presenting Author

• Lenka Shriver, University of North Carolina at Greensboro
  Non-Presenting Author

• Taren Swindle, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
  Non-Presenting Author

• Jennifer E. Lansford, Duke University
  Non-Presenting Author

• Kenneth A Dodge, Duke University
  Non-Presenting Author

• Gregory S Pettit, Auburn University
  Non-Presenting Author

• John E Bates, Indiana University - Bloomington
  Non-Presenting Author

• Amanda W. Harrist, Oklahoma State University - Stillwater
  Non-Presenting Author