Segregation in the classroom: What does it take to be accepted as a friend?

Research on students’ social relationships shows their preference to associate with similar peers. This study focused on the similarity in selection criteria used by students to form groups and similarity of characteristics of existing groups in schools. It compared these criteria to those of isolated students. The sample consisted of 124 students aged 14–15. The results revealed that the assessment of peers’ social skills was a relevant selection criterion, and that global self-esteem, well-being, and, physical activity were important variables in describing groups. The selection criteria and group characteristics of isolated students did not match those of the groups. The isolated students have more outspoken views on criteria and characteristics compared to the groups’ points of view.     

Girls suffer: the prevalence and predicting factors of emotional problems among adolescents during upper secondary school in Norway

Social Psychology of Education - This longitudinal, quantitative survey examined factors predicting 1077 Norwegian adolescents` emotional problems during Upper Secondary School (grades I–III,...     

A longitudinal study of factors predicting students’ intentions to leave upper secondary school in Norway

Social Psychology of Education - This article illuminates factors predicting students’ intention to leave upper secondary school. The research is anchored in an ecological theoretical...