ERIC Number: EJ945169
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2006-Jul
Pages: 10
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0890-8567
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Associations between Behavioral/Emotional Difficulties in Kindergarten Children and the Quality of Their Peer Relationships
Perren, Sonja; von Wyl, Agnes; Stadelmann, Stephanie; Burgin, Dieter; von Klitzing, Kai
Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, v45 n7 p867-876 Jul 2006
Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the associations between children's difficulties (conduct problems, hyperactivity/impulsivity, and emotional symptoms) and peer victimization and rejection in kindergarten. For the assessment of children's difficulties, the authors used a multi-informant approach. Method: A total of 153 five-year-old children were interviewed (Berkeley Puppet Interview). Teachers and parents completed the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. Teachers reported on peer victimization. Peer nominations (rejection and acceptance) were conducted in a subgroup of 92 children. Combining teacher, parent, and self-reports of children's difficulties, three components were established: trait (degree of problems), informant differences resulting from perspective (self versus others), and context (kindergarten versus home). Results: Children's difficulties were significantly associated with teacher- and self-reported victimization and peer rejection (r = 0.20-0.35), but not with peer acceptance. Conduct problems and emotional symptoms, but not hyperactivity/impulsivity, contributed independently to the variance of peer victimization and rejection. Perspective differences between children and adults according to hyperactivity/impulsivity also predicted peer rejection. Conclusion: Behavioral and emotional difficulties as well as a lack of self-awareness regarding hyperactive/impulsive behavior may place children at risk of peer victimization and rejection. Child psychiatric assessments and therapeutic strategies should thus take children's self-perception of symptoms and their peer relationships into account. (Contains 4 tables.)
Descriptors: Conceptual Tempo, Hyperactivity, Peer Relationship, Kindergarten, Organizations (Groups), Peer Acceptance, Rejection (Psychology), Victims of Crime, Teaching Methods, Behavior Problems, Emotional Problems, Correlation, Child Behavior, Victims, Bullying, Interviews, Questionnaires, Teacher Attitudes, Student Attitudes, Parent Attitudes
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Kindergarten
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Assessments and Surveys: Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A