Affective dynamics in triadic peer interactions in early childhood.
In interpersonal interaction research, moving beyond dyadic to triadic dynamics can  be analytically daunting. We explored the affective states expressed during triadic peer  interactions to understand how patterns were associated with childhood psychopathology and  sociometric status. High-risk kindergarten children (N = 216) were observed in several groups  of three during a free play task. We extended the state space grid technique to 3-dimensional  analysis in order to derive variables of interest. Unlike results from parent-child dyadic  interactions, triadic affective variability was not strongly associated with externalizing or  internalizing problems. However, several triadic affective states were distinguished by externalizing,  internalizing, and sociometric status, most commonly mutually aversive affect. Strengths and  limitations of this methodology in relation to understanding peer triadic interactions are discussed.
Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada.
Lindsay A
LA
Lavictoire
James
J
Snyder
Mike
M
Stoolmiller
Tom
T
Hollenstein
D000339:Affect; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D002648:Child; D002652:Child Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D002653:Child Behavior Disorders / Q000523:psychology*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007389:Internal-External Control; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D010287:Parent-Child Relations; D010379:Peer Group; D010988:Play and Playthings / Q000523:psychology; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors