A Preliminary Investigation of Student Externalizing Behavior, Teacher Praise, and Peer Reputations

The purpose of this study was to examine the relation between externalizing behavior and peer reputations of kindergarten through third-grade students ( N = 35, from 18 U.S. classrooms) with or at risk for Emotional and Behavioral Disorders (EBDs). We also examined the extent to which this relation varied as a function of teacher delivery of praise. A series of multiple regression models, adjusted for the nesting of students within classrooms, were conducted. Models revealed a significant effect of the interaction between externalizing behavior and teacher praise on peer reputations for prosocial behavior (i.e., “Being Nice”). This effect indicated a negative relation between externalizing behavior and a prosocial peer reputation for students who received low rates of teacher praise. However, a positive relation was present between externalizing behavior and a prosocial peer reputation for students who received average and high rates of teacher praise. Findings reinforce that teacher praise is an important positive behavioral support and send a preliminary signal that praise may mitigate negative peer reputations for students with or at risk for EBD. Implications for research and practice are discussed.