Immediate Experiences and Short-Term Impact of Sociometric Assessment in Early Adolescence and Associations With Low Social Status

Abstract

This study examined youths’ perceptions of sociometric assessments, and whether these perceptions were especially negative for youths with low social status. Participants were 598 primary and secondary school students (47% female, M_age = 11.80 years, SD = 1.16) who completed a sociometric assessment and rated their immediate experiences with the assessment and its short-term impact one week later. Participants rated the sociometric assessment as not difficult, enjoyable and useful for improving classroom dynamics. One week later, their reports remained positive, with some nuances. Secondary school students provided lower ratings than primary school students. Least popular nominations were associated with less enjoyment, less perceived usefulness, and more relief one week later. Surprisingly, least liked nominations were associated with less difficulty, and in secondary school, with more enjoyment. The results do not support a negative impact of sociometric assessment on early adolescents in general or on those with low status specifically.