Bi-Directional and Cross-Categorical Social Status of Learning Disabled, Behaviorally Disordered, and Nonhandicapped Adolescents

Assigned & received social status (SS) of mildly learning disabled, mildly behaviorally disordered, & nonhandicapped high school students (N = 22 in each group) were equated on several demographic variables, & a rating scale sociometric instrument was administered in regular physical education classes with at least 1 exceptional student. Results indicate that the mildly handicapped & nonhandicapped samples differed from other nonhandicapped populations in several aspects of bidirectional SS. In cross-categorical comparisons of assigned SS, the 3 groups did not differ significantly. With regard to cross-categorical received SS, however, the comparison groups varied widely. Findings are discussed with regard to similarities & differences among mildly handicapped individuals, & the need to consider all aspects of their social interrelations. 4 Tables, 55 References. HA