Temperament and Psychopathology of Aggressive-Peer Rejected Boys and Girls: A Comparative Study

Abstract

A comparative study of aggressive- peer rejected (AR) with aggressive-nonrejected by peers (ANR), nonaggressive- peer rejected (NAR) and nonaggressive- nonrejected by peers (NANR) boys and girls was done in relation to temperament and psychopathology. A total of2158, 3rd to 5th grade children in age group of 9-11 years participated in the study. The children were chosen from eight government schools of Chandigarh, India. Aggression index and sociometry were used. Final sample of 205 children was selected on the basis of quartiles, and was divided into 4 groups: AR, ANR, NAR and NANR. These groups were further tested for their temperament and psychopathology using temperament measurement schedule and child psychopathology measurement schedule respectively. As per parent ratings, AR children found to be more social and energetic. They had low intelligence, with more behavioral problems, conduct disorders, anxiety and increased somatization. Discussion was focused on role of Indian culture/ environment on temperament differences and psychopathology.