A new study from Florida Atlantic University (FAU) sheds light on the dynamics of enemy relationships among schoolchildren, revealing that certain aversive traits significantly increase the likelihood of conflict between students. Published in the Journal of Youth and Adolescence, the research involved over 300 students aged 9 to 14 from diverse public primary and middle schools.
Key Findings
- Initial Behaviours Predict Enmity: Students exhibiting undesirable behaviours at the beginning of the school year were found to be at a higher risk of developing enemy relationships by the school year’s end. This establishes a clear causal link between negative traits and the formation of mutual antipathies.
- Emotional Instability as a Major Factor: The study identified emotional instability as the strongest predictor of forming enemy relationships. Emotionally reactive youth were 35% more likely to develop negative relationships compared to their more stable peers.
- Impact of Academic Performance and Behaviour: Poor academic performance, aggression, and classroom disruption were also strong predictors of later participation in enemy relationships. Students who were perceived as unhelpful or uncaring were more likely to develop mutual antipathies.
- Gender and Grade Level Irrelevance: The risk of developing enemy relationships remained consistent across gender and school grade levels, indicating that these behavioural risks are applicable to a broad range of adolescents.
- Consequences of Mutual Antipathies: Mutual hate relationships can lead to social and emotional difficulties for troubled youth, harming group cohesion and creating a less supportive learning environment. Negative interactions are stressful and may even lead to school avoidance for some students.
Dr. Brett Laursen, the senior author of the study, emphasized the importance of recognizing and addressing these behaviours early to prevent conflicts that could have lasting impacts on students’ social well-being and academic success.
This research was supported by a grant from the United States National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.
For more information, read the full article here: FAU Study on Clashing Classmates.
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