Middle school can be tough for those who don’t conform to society’s expectations of attractiveness and athleticism. Recent research reveals that students who are deemed less attractive or less athletic by their peers face increasing unpopularity as the school year progresses, leading to feelings of loneliness and a higher risk of alcohol misuse. It’s as if middle school is its own little ecosystem, with its own rules and criteria for social acceptance. In this ecosystem, there seems to be a clear hierarchy where those who possess traits deemed valuable by the peer group, such as physical attractiveness and athletic prowess, are rewarded with popularity and social status. On the other hand, those who don’t fit these standards are left behind and suffer the consequences. Interestingly, this study also breaks down long-held beliefs about gender differences in these social penalties, showing that the consequences apply to everyone regardless of gender. This research shines a light on the challenges faced by adolescents who don’t meet societal norms, and raises important questions about how we can create more inclusive environments for all students. To learn more about the fascinating findings of this study, check out the full article!

Life is harder for adolescents who are not attractive or athletic. New research shows low attractive and low athletic youth became increasingly unpopular over the course of a school year, leading to subsequent increases in their loneliness and alcohol misuse. As their unpopularity grows, so do their problems. Put simply, the peer group punishes those who do not have highly valued traits such as being good-looking or being good at sports. Results also put to rest stereotypes about sex differences. The findings reveal a transformation in adolescent social culture such that the social penalties attached to being low in attractiveness or low in athleticism are no longer gender specific.

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