Final answer:
Peer acceptance is the best predictor of potential delinquency or school dropout in rejected children later in adolescence. While parental involvement and teacher support are important, peers play a crucial role in an adolescent's socialization and identity formation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The social and psychological development of children is complex and influenced by a variety of factors. Research suggests that the peer group plays a significant role in an adolescent's life, impacting their socialization and behavior patterns. While academic achievement, parental involvement, and teacher's support all contribute to a child's outcome, studies like those by Spencer, Dupree, and Hartmann have linked popularity with peers and a positive attitude towards learning. It's during this stage that adolescents begin to form their identities, and although they spend less time with their parents, the warm and healthy relationships with parents still contribute to better grades and fewer school behavior problems.
However, peer acceptance stands out as a strong predictor of whether or not a child may engage in delinquent behavior or drop out of school. Peers influence attitudes toward learning, provide a sense of belonging, and prevent or encourage negative behavior, all of which are pivotal during adolescence.