ABSTRACT
This chapter presents a new explanation of social rejection from a developmental-psychoanalytical perspective. According to this explanation, social rejection is related to the range of changes that occur during latency: reduction in the exclusivity of parents and teachers; reduction in egocentricity, grandiosity, object control, and omnipotence; the phenomena of popularity and social rejection; increase in the ability to delay gratification, restraint, self-control, and regulation. Also, during latency the development of all the defense mechanisms is completed. The psychic internal and external aspects develop. A change occurs from interpersonal friendships (“best friends”) to group friendships. The formation of basic gender stereotypes and typical gender-based behaviors arises. Boundaries between the genders are maintained. A transition occurs from emotional empathy to social empathy. Also, the children obey the social norms and the social hierarchy. In accordance with these developments, social rejection should be understood as a social sanction employed by the society of children against individuals who don’t adapt themselves to these developmental changes.
