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Comparative Study
. 2020 Jun 8;33(3):227-234.
doi: 10.1515/ijamh-2019-0041.

Characteristics defining perceived popularity among same-sex and opposite-sex peers

Christina Akre  1 , André Berchtold  2 , Yara Barrense-Dias  3 , Joan-Carles Suris  3
Affiliations
Comparative Study

Characteristics defining perceived popularity among same-sex and opposite-sex peers

Christina Akre et al. Int J Adolesc Med Health. .

Abstract

Objectives: The objective of this study was to compare the characteristics of adolescents and young adults (AYA) who perceive themselves as popular with AYAs who perceive themselves as unpopular vis-á-vis peers from same-sex, opposite-sex, or both.

Methods: Among a representative sample of in-school 15-24 year-olds students (n=5,179) who completed a self-administrated questionnaire, we measured self-perception of popularity, socio-demographic data, ease to make same/opposite-sex friends, emotional well-being, school variables, substance use, sensation seeking, self-perception of pubertal timing, and aggressive/violent behavior.

Results: Overall, our findings put forth that popularity was associated to easiness of making same/opposite-sex friends, emotional well-being, socio-economical background, sensation seeking behaviors, and alcohol misuse. Differences appeared between males or females.

Conclusion: Findings indicate that popularity remains a very important issue among this age group and should be a red flag in clinical assessment. Future research should explore whether feeling of unpopularity can be used as a marker of adolescent well-being and hence help identify those youths who might need help.

Keywords: adolescents; peers relations; popularity; well-being; young adults.

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