Factors predicting long-term rejection at school

Factors predicting long-term rejection in school class were studied among 217 pupils, who were 13 years of age at baseline and 16 years at follow-up. Rejection was determined by means of sociometric measurement undertaken by pupils. At baseline teachers assessed pupils' problem behaviour and social skills by the Social Skills Rating scales, self-images were measured by the Offer Self-Image Questionnaire and academic achievement was also assessed. Factor, (at baseline) predicting long-term rejection included male sex (odds rations [OR] 7.2 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.2 - 41.5), poor performance in physical education (OR 6.4 95% CI 1.8 - 20.0), negative sexual self-image (OR 2.3 95% CI 15 - 3.6) and internalizing problems (OR 4.3 95% CI 2.0 - 9.2). Knowledge of risk factors for rejection in school can be valuable for planning of preventive interventions.