The breadth of peer relationships among preschoolers: an application of the Q-connectivity method to externalizing behavior.
Preschoolers' (M(age) = 48.7 months) social breadth (the number of peer children interact with and the frequency of these interactions) and the relations between breadth and externalizing behaviors were examined using the Q-connectivity method. After considering age, sex, and classroom effects on social breadth, children's externalizing behaviors were studied in relation to levels of social breadth across variations in frequency of exposure to peers and to patterns of decline in social breadth. Externalizing preschoolers occasionally interacted with most of their classmates. However, their individual peer networks moderately to rapidly became selective, and they engaged in repeated interactions with a relatively small number of peers. Although there were no sex effects, significant age and classroom effects were obtained.
Hanish
Laura D
LD
Program in Family and Human Development, School of Social and Family Dynamics, Arizona State University, Box 873701, Tempe, AZ 85287-3701, USA. laura.hanish@asu.edu
Martin
Carol Lynn
CL
Fabes
Richard A
RA
Barcelo
Hélène
H
D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D010379:Peer Group; D012919:Social Behavior; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires