News, Advice, and Tips for Parenting Teenagers

Teens who believe that others like them and feel good about their level of social acceptance are more likely to be well-adjusted, even if they are not popular in the traditional sense, according to a new study from the University of Virginia.

On the other hand, teens who do not feel socially accepted and whom peers rate as unpopular tend to become more withdrawn, hostile, and less sought out over time.

Researchers interviewed 164 teens at age 13 and then again a year later, asking them to rate themselves and their peers in terms of likeability and popularity.

"Perceiving oneself to be liked may actually be at least as critical in determining future social outcomes for teens as actually being liked," said Dr. Kathleen McElhaney, lead author of the study, which appears in Child Development.

Girls with Asperger's Syndrome may have a hard time getting along with peers and classmates. An all girls school geared for girls with ADHD and Aspergers, like New Leaf Academy, can help.

Labels: peer_pressure, acceptance, perceptions

Posted By: Aspen Education Group