Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 29, 2026

Investigating Pain-Related Avoidance Behavior using a Robotic Arm-Reaching Paradigm
Published on: October 3, 2020
Implicit associations with popularity in early adolescence: an approach-avoidance analysis
Tessa A M Lansu1, Antonius H N Cillessen, Johan C Karremans
1Behavioural Science Institute, Radboud University, Nijmegen, the Netherlands. t.lansu@psych.ru.nl
Abstract:
This study examined 241 early adolescents' implicit and explicit associations with popularity. The peer status and gender of both the targets and the perceivers were considered. Explicit associations with popularity were assessed with sociometric methods. Implicit associations with popularity were assessed with an approach-avoidance task (AAT). Explicit evaluations of popularity were positive, but implicit associations were negative: Avoidance reactions to popular peers were faster than approach reactions. Interactions with the status of the perceiver indicated that unpopular participants had stronger negative implicit reactions to popular girls than did popular participants. This study demonstrated a negative reaction to popularity that cannot be revealed with explicit methods. The study of implicit processes with methods such as the AAT is a new and important direction for peer relations research.
Related Concept Videos
Frustration and Conflict: Approach-Approach, Approach-Avoidance
One common type of conflict is the Approach–Approach Conflict. In this case, a person faces two desirable options,...
Frustration and Conflict: Avoidance-Avoidance, Double-Approach Avoidance
Factors Influencing Attraction VI: Personality Traits
Factors Influencing Attraction II: Physical Attraction
Self-Evaluation: Self-Enhancement and Self-Verification
Self-Presentation: Self-Monitoring and Self-Handicapping

