Playground Prowess and Popularity

A study published in the September issue of The Journal of Sport Behaviour draws of the familiar setting of the school playground for its subject matter. The team of researchers led by Janice Causgrove Dunn, from the Faculty of Physical & Recreation at the University of Alberta completed what is reported to be the first study geared specifically at playground "prowess" and loneliness.

Surveying 99 boys and 109 girls on loneliness, their peers' athletic ability and how much they liked their fellow students, researchers found a direct correlation between perceived athletic ability and popularity. Meanwhile children who reported high levels of loneliness were more likely to score low for peer acceptance and athleticism.

Previous research has shown that lonely children tend to be less physically active, less fit, and more likely to experience tension and anxiety than their non-lonely counterparts. In adolescence and early adulthood, loneliness has been linked to behaviors including cigarette smoking, marijuana use and alcoholism, as well as an increased risk of school drop out and depression.

Press Release: The politics of the playground: lack of athletic skill often means loneliness and peer rejection