Children and classmate enemies: an in-depth look at the consequences

What happens when children become ‘enemies’ with their peers? This was explored by researchers at Florida Atlantic University, USA, whose findings were recently published in the Journal of Youth and Adolescence. Over 300 children aged 9-14 took part in the study, and they were asked to complete three surveys over the course of one academic year. The students – who came from a range of backgrounds and schools – were tasked with listing classmates they did not like, as well as their ‘enemies’ (a term used to describe individuals that have a mutual dislike for one another). They were also asked to name students who were well-liked and ‘prosocial.’ Results found that while less than 5% of students surveyed had enemies, there were characteristics that made such children stand out. “Youth who behave in unattractive ways are disliked and that sentiment is often returned” explains Brett Laursen, Ph.D., senior author of the study and Professor of Psychology. Children displaying adverse traits (e.g. disrupting class or being aggressive) at the beginning of the school year were likely to have an enemy relationship develop. Those who were considered emotionally unstable were also 35% more likely to have an enemy relationship in the classroom. Professor Laursen says this can create larger issues: “troubled youth who make enemies often find themselves trapped in a cycle of social and emotional difficulties…For some youth, these conflicts may lead to serious distress, possibly even school avoidance.” More information can be found here.