Awareness matters: Moderating effects of self-perception of popularity on the association between perceived popularity and relational aggression.

Abstract

There is a growing body of research emphasizing the positive association between perceived popularity and relational aggression. The present study examines the moderating effect of self-perceived popularity on this association, using an adolescent sample (N = 642) in middle schools across the Netherlands. Data was collected using questionnaires including self-reports and peer-nominations. Self-perception of popularity was found to moderate the association between perceived popularity and relational aggression. The highest levels of relational aggression were observed in highly popular adolescents aware of their peer status, the lowest levels of relational aggression were found in adolescents unaware of their low peer status, emphasizing that awareness matters.