Research has found an association between peer rejection in middle childhood and degree of adolescent adjustment at a later time. In a longitudinal study of 128 7- to 12-year-olds, youth who were socially withdrawn in middle childhood were more likely to be rated lonely one year later (Renshaw & Brown, 1993). Furthermore, in a seven-year longitudinal study of 207 third- to sixth-graders, youth with a positive peer reputation in middle childhood were rated has having a more active social life, and as being more socially accepted, more competent at dating, closer to friends, and more competent with peers (Morison & Masten, 1991).