Interpersonal behavior, peer popularity, and self-esteem in early adolescence

The present study compared the behavioral correlates of sociometric popularity status and consensual popularity status among a large group of children (N = 778) in their first year of secondary school. By means of self-report and classmates' nomination procedures, the relative contribution of the two types of popularity to peer role strain and self-esteem were investigated. Results indicated large differences in the behavioral correlates of both types of popularity: Sociometric popularity is largely related to cooperative behavior and being perceived as popular. Consensual popularity is highly related to fashion style and being perceived as not boring. The two types of popularity were uniquely related to self-esteem levels. Consensual popularity was directly linked to social self-esteem; sociometric popularity appeared to be linked to self-esteem through the reduction of peer role strain levels. The results are discussed in the light of social psychological theories of dominance and prestige among children.