Peer Exclusion and Classroom Achievement

According to a new study published in the Journal of Educational Psychology, children who are excluded from peer activities are more likely to suffer academically as a result.

In a March 5, 2006 press release from the American Psychological Association, the studys lead author noted that while exclusion is not as visible as bullying and other forms of abuse, the effects of being rejected by peers can be just as damaging.

The five-year longitudinal study looked at 380 participants between the ages of 5 and 11. Those who were excluded from peer activity were more likely to have academic difficulties and less likely to participate in class than their peers who were not excluded from peer activity.

For more information on this study:

Peer Exclusion Among Children Results in Reduced Classroom Participation and Academic Achievement. APA Press Release

Buhs, E., Herald, S., & Ladd, G. (2006) Peer Exclusion and Victimization: Processes That Mediate the Relation Between Peer Group Rejection and Children's Classroom Engagement and Achievement. Journal of Educational Psychology, Vol.98 No.1.

March 16, 2006

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• educational psychology
• social psychology