Portrait of Rejected Children

This study was conducted using qualitative research methodology. The research design included a basic qualitative research design based on an interpretive perspective. The research group consisted of 16 children selected from a classroom that was easily accessible and temporally accessible to the researcher. The data collection process included the classical sociometric situation classification system proposed by Coie et al. (1982). This enabled the categorization of children's social status into categories such as "rejected", "popular", and "neglected". Children were also asked to draw portraits of their "least favorite" friends. The drawings were analyzed in depth through one-on-one interviews with the children. The portraits were analyzed through content analysis and the characteristics of rejected children were transformed into themes. Accordingly, four main headings emerged as elements in children's drawings, undesired behaviors, social contact, and expression of emotions. Aggressive behaviors, disturbing behaviors, behaviors associated with autism, gender-based differences, and behaviors perceived as inappropriate in the social environment came to the forefront in the expressions of the rejected children. In addition, children reported that rejected children were often angry or had moods that were not clearly understood. Children also reflected their emotional states in their artworks and did not like to draw friends they did not prefer. In line with these results, some recommendations for institutions, teachers, and families regarding some social status are presented.