Anxiety and depression as correlates of sociometric status among peers

In adolescence, peer group becomes an increasingly important context of development. Therefore, knowledge about predictors and correlates of quality of relationships with peers and status in the peer group is of significant theoretical and practical importance. Previous research has mostly been focused on relationships between externalizing behaviors and peer status, while links between internalizing behaviors and peer status have been underresearched. The aim of this study was to determine relationships between young adolescents'-peer status and their anxiety and depression. The sample consisted of 1-77 sixth grade students (89 girls), whose mean age was 12,75 years. Children's self-reports on depression and anxiety were collected by means of Depression Scale for Children and Adolescents (Vulic-Prtoric, 2003.) and Fears and Anxiety Scale for Children and Adolescents (Vulic-Prtoric, 2004a.). Peer status was measured by sociometric nomination technique. Neither general depression and anxiety, nor their specific aspects, were related to acceptance and rejection by classmates. In the whole sample and the subsample of girls none of the correlations were significant, In the subsample of boys significant, although low, negative correlation between separation anxiety and peer rejection was found, with boys higher on separation anxiety being less rejected by peers. Results were discussed from the developmental perspective. Methodological limitations of the study were pointed out and suggestions for future studies provided.