Peer Conflicts of Preschool Children: Issues,Resolution, Incidence,and Age-Related Patterns

This study examined 2-, 3-, and 4-year-olds' peer conflicts in the naturalistic classroom setting during free-play time. 400 preschoolers from 25 classrooms were videotaped. Only the first conflict event generated by each target-child observation was included in the analysis. Of the 400 target-child observations, 322 generated a conflict event. In general, there was a shift in the issues of conflict from tangible material concerns to those that were more mental and social. 2-year-olds had a higher proportion of distribution of resources conflicts than did 3- and 4-year-olds. Conflicts about play and ideas significantly increased with age while those stemming from physical harm were low overall. Further, child-generated resolutions increased while insistence decreased significantly with age. What changes with development appears to be the issues of conflict and the way they are handled; not the incidence of conflict per se. These findings support the proposal that conflicts are natural contexts in which children develop socially, morally and cognitively. Implications for teaching are discussed.     

幼儿游戏中同伴冲突解决策略的现状及建议

游戏是幼儿园的基本活动,也是幼儿进行社会交往的主要形式之一。幼儿游戏中同伴冲突对幼儿社会性的发展具有积极意义,幼儿及教师对同伴冲突的应对方式直接影响到幼儿社会性的发展。本研究采用观察法通过对幼儿园一日活动中幼儿游戏同伴冲突现状进行研究,发现教师和幼儿在应对和解决冲突中多用消极解决策略:幼儿解决策略较多使用攻击性行为、互不相让、威胁命令;教师解决策略较多使用粗暴制止、独断专制、简单安抚、延迟处理。这些解决问题的方法易导致幼儿同伴间关系紧张,对教师缺乏信任,教师也会错失教育时机。由此,对幼儿及教师在应对冲突时存在的问题进行了分析,并提出了相应策略。     

Conflict Resolution Patterns of Preschool Children With and Without Developmental Delays in Heterogeneous Playgroups

The conflict resolution patterns of preschool-age mildly developmentally delayed children were compared to those of older and younger groups of typically developing children matched on the basis of chronological age or developmental level. Children participated in short-term heterogeneous playgroups consisting of representatives from all three developmental status groups. Naturally occurring conflicts with peers in the form of extended directive episodes were assessed in terms of their frequency, purpose, strategies, and the way conflicts were resolved. Results revealed that mildly delayed children exhibit a more negative and less adaptive interaction style, even in comparison to typically developing children similar in developmental level. Special problems were apparent when younger typically developing and mildly delayed children engaged in conflict episodes, whereas typically developing older children were able to adjust and interact appropriately irrespective of their companions' developmental status. In addition, typically developing older children elicited a pattern in which other children were less demanding and negative, but more responsive, positive, and adaptive. The implications of developmental differences between younger and older typically developing children and the unique problems in conflict situations were discussed.     

Conflict Resolution Patterns of Preschool Children With and Without Developmental Delays in Heterogeneous Playgroups

The conflict resolution patterns of preschool-age mildly developmentally delayed children were compared to those of older and younger groups of typically developing children matched on the basis of chronological age or developmental level. Children participated in short-term heterogeneous playgroups consisting of representatives from all three developmental status groups. Naturally occurring conflicts with peers in the form of extended directive episodes were assessed in terms of their frequency, purpose, strategies, and the way conflicts were resolved. Results revealed that mildly delayed children exhibit a more negative and less adaptive interaction style, even in comparison to typically developing children similar in developmental level. Special problems were apparent when younger typically developing and mildly delayed children engaged in conflict episodes, whereas typically developing older children were able to adjust and interact appropriately irrespective of their companions' developmental status. In addition, typically developing older children elicited a pattern in which other children were less demanding and negative, but more responsive, positive, and adaptive. The implications of developmental differences between younger and older typically developing children and the unique problems in conflict situations were discussed.     

The Peer Relations of Preschool Children with Communication Disorders

The peer-related social interactions of preschool-age children with communication disorders were compared to those of normally developing chronological age-mates. All children were previously unacquainted with one another and participated in a series of short-term play groups. Differences between the 2 groups emerged primarily in terms of overall social activity, as children with communication disorders engaged in fewer positive social interactions and conversed with peers less often during non-play activities. Children with communication disorders also were less successful in their social bids and appeared to be less directive with their peers. However, both groups of children exhibited similar patterns of socially competent interactions including the ability to sustain play (group play), to minimize conflict, to join others in ongoing activities, and to respond appropriately to the social bids of others. Based on peer sociometric ratings, both groups of children were equally accepted. These general patterns of similarities and differences were found in settings in which play groups consisted of all children with communication disorders (specialized settings) as well as in settings in which the play groups included both children with communication disorders and normally developing children (mainstreamed settings). However, even during the relatively brief acquaintanceship process, an analysis of peer preference patterns revealed that children with communication disorders in mainstreamed settings were less socially integrated in the play groups than normally developing children. The potential for additional difficulties in peer interactions for children with communication disorders when children become more familiar with one another and play becomes more intricate was discussed in light of interaction patterns formed during the shortterm play groups.     

Preschool Routines,Peer Learning and Participation

The aim of this study was to examine what children learn spontaneously from each other in everyday activities within the preschool culture. It involves an interpretation and analysis of specific situations, which focus on the spontaneous learning that occurs in children's actions and communication . Everyday activities in preschool are associated with routines in situations like meals, circle time and play activities. In these situations children have opportunities to learn about rules, ways of acting, routines, codes and discursive practices; knowledge and skills which are often tacit but which children learn from each other through social practices.     

The Relationship Between and Peer Relations in Preschool Children Parent-Rated Behavior Problems

The relationship between parent-rated behavior problems based on the Preschool Behavior Questionnaire (PBQ) and the peer relations of nonhandicapped and mildly developmentally delayed preschool children was examined in this study. Measures of the peer-related social interactions of 3- and 4-year-old nonhandicapped children and a 4-year-old developmentally delayed group were obtained as children participated in a series of specially designed playgroups. Correlations with scores for the behavior problem dimensions obtained from the PBQ with social interaction and negative relationship peer interaction factors revealed significant relationships only for the nonhandicapped 4-year-old children. Children rated by their mothers as high on the Hostile-Aggressive, Anxiety-Fearful, and Total Behavior Disturbed dimensions were less socially interactive with peers and received higher negative relationship scores than children with lower ratings.     

The Relationship Between Parent-Rated Behavior Problems and Peer Relations in Preschool Children

The relationship between parent-rated behavior problems based on the Preschool Behavior Questionnaire (PBQ) and the peer relations of nonhandicapped and mildly developmentally delayed preschool children was examined in this study. Measures of the peer-related social interactions of 3- and 4-year-old nonhandicapped children and a 4-year-old developmentally delayed group were obtained as children participated in a series of specially designed playgroups. Correlations with scores for the behavior problem dimensions obtained from the PBQ with social interaction and negative relationship peer interaction factors revealed significant relationships only for the nonhandicapped 4-year-old children. Children rated by their mothers as high on the Hostile-Aggressive, Anxiety-Fearful, and Total Behavior Disturbed dimensions were less socially interactive with peers and received higher negative relationship scores than children with lower ratings.     

Conflict Resolution Among Preschool Children: The Appeal of Negotiation in Hypothetical Disputes

Young children's preferences for conflict management strategies were assessed with hypothetical puppet interviews. A total of 48 children enrolled in a university nursery school were each presented 12 vignettes depicting common peer conflicts. Vignettes varied as a function of conflict issue (roles and possessions) and peer friendship status (friends and nonfriends). Three conflict resolution strategies were contrasted: negotiation, power assertion, and disengagement. The results indicated an overwhelming preference for negotiation. In contrast, power assertion was the least desirable means of resolving disputes. No differences emerged as a function of conflict issue or friendship status. Neither were there differences according to the age or sex of the subject. The findings indicate that young children evince a similar preference for resolving conflicts through negotiation and cooperation as has been reported in studies of older children and adolescents.     

Gender-Specific Linkages of Affective Social Competence With Peer Relations in Preschool Children

Research Findings: We examined whether affective social competence, or the ability to effectively send and receive emotional signals and to manage one's own emotional experience, contributes to preschool children's peer relations. Forty-two previously unacquainted preschoolers were observed while participating in a week-long playschool. Greater nonstereotypical emotion knowledge was related to girls' popularity and boys' likelihood of having a reciprocal friendship. Girls with greater skill at sending emotional communications and managing emotions were more likely to have a reciprocal friendship. Boys who were better at managing emotions compared to others in their group were less popular. The role of social context in the influence of affective social competence on children's peer relations is discussed. Practice or Policy: Results have implications for early childhood educators' promotion of children's socioemotional skills.     

Peer Play Interactions and Learning for Low-Income Preschool Children: The Moderating Role of Classroom Quality

Research Findings: The present study examined the degree to which the association between interactive peer play and academic skills was dependent upon the level of classroom quality for a representative sample of culturally and linguistically diverse urban Head Start children (N = 304 children across 53 classrooms). Peer play interactions within the classroom were assessed by teacher assistants in the fall of the year; observations of the quality of classroom instructional, emotional, and organizational support were conducted in the middle of the year; and norm-referenced direct assessments of literacy, language, and mathematics skills were administered in the spring. Findings from multilevel models indicated that disruptive and disconnected peer play behaviors early in the preschool year were associated with lower literacy and language skills regardless of classroom quality. However, interactive peer play early in the year was associated with higher mathematics outcomes when children were enrolled in classrooms characterized by high instructional support. Practice or Policy: Implications for early childhood research, practice, and policy are discussed.     

Gender-Specific Linkages of Affective Social Competence With Peer Relations in Preschool Children

Research Findings: We examined whether affective social competence, or the ability to effectively send and receive emotional signals and to manage one's own emotional experience, contributes to preschool children's peer relations. Forty-two previously unacquainted preschoolers were observed while participating in a week-long playschool. Greater nonstereotypical emotion knowledge was related to girls' popularity and boys' likelihood of having a reciprocal friendship. Girls with greater skill at sending emotional communications and managing emotions were more likely to have a reciprocal friendship. Boys who were better at managing emotions compared to others in their group were less popular. The role of social context in the influence of affective social competence on children's peer relations is discussed. Practice or Policy: Results have implications for early childhood educators' promotion of children's socioemotional skills.     

幼儿同伴侵害与社会能力、问题行为的关系

使用教师评定法对279名3-5岁儿童进行研究,探讨幼儿同伴侵害现象及其与社会能力、适应问题的关系。结果发现:幼儿中存在身体侵害和关系侵害现象,部分儿童同时受身体和关系两种形式的侵害,身体侵害的稳定性随年龄增长而变化;与不受侵害的儿童相比,受侵害儿童的外化问题明显偏多;问题行为在儿童社会能力和半年后身体侵害之间起到完全中介作用,而在儿童社会能力和半年后关系侵害之间起到部分中介作用。     

Phonological Awareness,Peer Nominations,and Social Competence Among Preschool Children At Risk for Developing Learning Disabilities

This study examined the relations between phonological awareness skills and social-emotional competence among preschool children who were considered at risk for developing learning disabilities. Phonological awareness skills, loneliness, sense of coherence, and peer acceptance of 98 children with an age range from 5.0 to 6.4 years (39 with a high risk for developing learning disabilities and 59 nondisabled peers) were assessed. The children at risk differed significantly from the nondisabled children on all measures. Their scores on the phonological awareness measures were lower, they viewed themselves as more lonely, felt less confident about their world, and they were less accepted by their peers. Subgrouping, using the sense of coherence and the combined phonological measure as criteria, revealed that the largest number of children at risk were in the group with lowest levels of coherence and phonological awareness skills. The smallest proportion of high risk children was found in the group characterised by its high sense of coherence and high level of phonological awareness. Thus, children at risk for developing learning disabilities revealed two groups of deficits: phonological awareness difficulties and social-emotional difficulties. The results emphasised the need to examine interrelations between peer acceptance and both cognitive-phonological awareness and emotional domains.     

教师介入幼儿同伴冲突策略及其影响因素的研究进展

同伴冲突对幼儿个性和社会性的发展有着重要的意义.在幼儿同伴冲突的解决中,教师介入策略的选择是一个重要的影响因素.以往有关教师介入策略的研究主要集中在内容、分类、影响因素等方面.在综述相关研究的基础之上,还对教师介入幼儿同伴冲突策略的研究方法作了回顾,并指出未来研究的方向.     

Patterns of Social Interaction of Mainstreamed Preschool Children: Hopeful News from the Field

Much of the research on social interaction in mainstreamed settings has focused on “reverse mainstreamed” or special environments in contrast, the present study observed 600 social interactions in 19 regular preschools. Three findings emerged: a) retarded children are substantially integrated into the emotional and social life of the peer group, but not fully integrated into peer group verbal life; b) there is an inverse relationship between teachers’ initiation of social interaction with retarded children and the degree to which the latter are integrated into peer group life; and c) teachers provide retarded children with more verbal enrichment and emotional protection than these children receive from their peer group. On balance, these findings are fairly encouraging, suggesting that to a considerable extent mainstreaming is working in preschool classrooms.     

Family Dynamics, Preschoolers' Family Representations, and Preschool Peer Relationships

Most prior studies of family-peer linkages during the preschool years have asked how mothers' or fathers' parenting practices contribute to early social competence. However, recent evidence from studies of family group-level processes raise the possibility that coparenting and family group process may also influence early social competence. This study traces pathways between family group-level dynamics, preschoolers' family imagery, and peer behavior at nursery school, testing the hypothesis that children's perceptions of family anger and aggression provide a link (through mediation and other indirect connections) between family process and early peer behavior. 43 four-year-olds used a set of doll family figures to tell stories about happy, sad, mad and worried families, and participated in a puppet interview in which they answered questions about family activities and family anger. Children's projection of aggression into the doll family task and discomfort during the puppet interview were each related to both parent-child and family-level dynamics. Family-level variables were also associated with observed social behavior at preschool, with effects strongest for boys. Pathways linking low levels of support and mutuality in the coparenting relationship to problematic peer relationships were indirect and mediated rather than direct, with children's family representations playing an intermediary role. By contrast, there was a direct pathway linking the family's affective climate to positive peer behavior; children from families showing warm, positive relations among all family members displayed more positive and prosocial peer behavior at school. We propose that studies of early peer competence could benefit from a broadened definition of family process and from the inclusion of information about how preschoolers conceive of relationship dynamics within the family.     

学校变革中的利益冲突:表现、成因及化解

对于处于变革中的学校组织来说,冲突无处不在,但利益冲突却是学校变革中冲突的焦点。学校变革的利益冲突表现为多种形式,而产生利益冲突的主要原因是由于权威及权力结构分配的不平等,以及"集体行动"逻辑所导致的"囚徒困境"。基于此,化解学校变革利益冲突的策略主要包括利益冲突管理以及实现不同主体间的"利益共享",而后者则需从达成"经济人"和"道德人"之间的契合、实现异质合作以及激发主体的道德使命感三方面切入来实现学校变革中的利益共享。     

Individual Preference for Peer Interaction: Some Data on a Self‐Report Measure for Preschool Children

Seven target children in six different kindergartens who showed low levels of social involvement with peers were compared with 24 children randomly selected from within the same kindergarten settings using a self‐report measure of preference for peer interaction. At pre‐test target children differed from the comparison group in choosing to play with peers in fewer activities and to play alone more often, and in naming fewer friends. At post‐test 14 weeks later, following intervention designed to increase their peer involvement, target children were not significantly different from the comparison group on the self‐report measure.     

Emotional and Behavioral Predictors of Preschool Peer Ratings

It was predicted that social cognitive, behavioral, and affective aspects of young children's social development would predict stable peer ratings of their likability. Measures of likability, emotion knowledge, prosocial and aggressive behavior, peer competence, and expressed emotions (happy and angry) were obtained for 65 subjects (mean age = 44 months). Sociometric ratings, particularly negative, were stable over 1- and 9-month time periods. Correlational analyses showed that emotion knowledge and prosocial behavior were direct predictors of likability. Prosocial behavior mediated the relations of gender and expressed emotions with likability (i.e., gender and expressed emotions were each related to prosocial behavior, and prosocial behavior was related to likability, but neither gender nor expressed emotions were related to likability with prosocial behavior partialled out). Knowledge of emotional situations similarly mediated the age-likability relation. Results uphold the early development of stable peer reputations and the hypothesized centrality of emotion-related predictors of likability.