Abstract
A cross-lagged longitudinal study was carried out to investigate whether social reaction styles and loneliness serve as antecedents and consequences of sociometric status among young adults. Behavioural correlates of sociometric status were also studied. Questionnaires measuring sociometric ratings, social reaction styles, loneliness, and group atmosphere were filled in by 154 students one week after starting at a new school, then half a year later, and finally, one year later. In Measurement 2, the participants' social behaviour was rated by their classmates. The results indicated that social reaction styles, feelings of loneliness, and satisfaction with the group atmosphere prospectively predicted sociometric status: Popularity, for example, was predicted by a high level of approach orientation. Sociometric status also predicted changes in individuals' reaction styles and feelings of loneliness. For instance, popularity increased optimism and decreased loneliness. Finally, high sociometric status was related to prosocial behaviours, whereas low sociometric status was associated with behavioural deficiencies.
