Change and Stability in Childhood Clique Membership, Isolation From Cliques, and Associated Child Characteristics

Abstract

This study explored the role of clique membership and clique isolation in children's psychosocial adjustment. We identified change and stability in early elementary school clique membership and investigated behavioral characteristics related to this change and stability. Participants were first-grade pupils (N = 300), followed over a 1-year period. Clique membership was identified through social network analysis. Differences between children with a stable versus changing clique membership status were tested using peer nominations and teacher ratings. Clique members were better adjusted than nonclique members. Externalizing behavior, less prosocial behavior, and low social preference preceded clique estrangement. Stable-isolates increased in externalizing behavior, whereas children who became part of a dyad or included in a clique showed a decrease in externalizing behavior.

Acknowledgments

This study was financially supported by ZonMW Grant #26200002.

Notes

Note: Contrasts indicate that the groups differ significantly at p < .05 using Tukey Honestly Significant Difference multiple comparisons. Numbers in parentheses represent standard deviations.

^a n = 36.

^b n = 110.

^c n = 154.

^d n = 19.

^e n = 17.

^f n = 65.

^g n = 45.

^h n = 67.

ⁱ n = 87.

Note: Contrasts indicate that the groups differ significantly at p < .05 using Tukey Honestly Significant Difference multiple comparisons. Numbers in parentheses represent standard deviations.

^a n = 36.

^b n = 110.

^c n = 154.

^d n = 21.

^e n = 15.

^f n = 56.

^g n = 54.

^h n = 74.

ⁱ n = 80.

^j Difference between groups was only significant for boys.

^k Difference between groups was only significant for children in the control condition.

Note: Numbers in parentheses represent standard deviations.

^a n = 13.

^b n = 23.

Note: Numbers in parentheses represent standard deviations.

^a n = 50.

^b n = 44.

Note: Numbers in parentheses represent standard deviations.

^a n = 100.

^b n = 54.

^c Differences between groups was only significant for boys.