Peer celebration of academic success declines from 3rd to 8th grade

Prior research demonstrates that perceived academic support from peers positively predicts school adjustment.

This study provides evidence that perceived academic support from peers declines from 3rd to 8th grade and that this decline is partially mediated by grade-level declines in perceptions that academic success disclosures are normative and will elicit positive responses, especially among students who hold social demonstration goals.

Discussion focuses on the importance of assessing changing peer norms for positive behaviors, including a willingness to celebrate peers’ academic successes.

The Journal of Early Adolescence January 13, 2016 0272431615624568