The authors review several case studies of children engaged in rule-governed play and conclude that the process of learning rules--and of breaking them and making new ones--promotes what they call gamesmanship. They link the development of gamesmanship to the theory of Machiavellian intelligence, which considers social interaction primary in the…

The study of social dominance has a long tradition within the peer relationships literature, but rarely has the topic been investigated observationally and longitudinally within other salient close relationships. The present study investigated the role of experiences in social relationships and adjustment indices in childhood in predicting later…

This study focused on the associations between individual variations in children's motor abilities and individual differences in social participation and play behavior. Indoor and outdoor play behavior patterns of 88 kindergarten children were observed, and a battery of standard assessments of basic motor functions was administered. The findings…

This study provides some support for Waller's principle of least interest and Miller and Swanson's conceptualizations. Males rather than females were less interested and committed to continuing their current dating relationships, and those least interested were males who were reared in entrepreneurial homes. (Author)

Empathy is vital in all the helping professions, as theory, practice, and research indicate. But can it be taught? Can it be learned? What exactly does one do to empathize? This article presents a usable model of empathic behavior--as well as imaginative means of enhancing the capacity to empathize. (Author)

Examines some of the conditions associated with dissolution of the friendship tie. Subjects were 232 boys and girls between the ages of eight and 15 at a summer camp. The hypothesis that reduction in social interaction would be associated with increased probability of dissolution was not conclusively supported. (Author/HMV)

Describes sex education as process of character-building, indicating need for teacher to decide what personal commitments are necessary for meaningful personal relationships. Presents research data to help teachers clarify stand on sexual behavior or use findings as background information for discussion. (Author/CJ)

In therapy the communication of empathic understanding to the client is one of the most difficult and crucial aspects of the treatment process. The authors describe a technique which challenges the therapist to actively listen, fantasize, and offer evidence of understanding in an intelligible manner. (Author)

Discusses observations of sets of infant twins, aged 6 to 24 months, as they interacted with one another and with an unfamiliar peer. Assesses quality of infant-mother attachment. Finds twins are more likely to react with one another than with a peer. Results are discussed in relation to early peer relationships and attachment. (Author/RWB)

Discusses the importance of the development of trust in peer relationships and friendships among young children. Also suggests strategies that teachers can use to help children develop trusting friendships. (BB)

This research project explored how children's ability to exchange ideas and resolve conflict was influenced by regularly setting aside time to dictate and act out stories. Research methods for this 3-month project included audiotapes, a questionnaire, and the stories from 23 first-grade children. Observations looked specifically at conflict…

This book, designed for teachers, parents and caregivers, discusses the development of self esteem, competence, and sense of belonging in children. The development of self concept is traced from early infancy through adolescence. Specific topics include reinforcement, imitation, the relationship between self-concept and achievement, sexual…

Introduces this special journal issue by outlining previous research on early peer relationships. Explains that the articles in this issue provide a backdrop for identifying the early precursors of individual patterns of success versus failure with peers. (JS)

The book was designed to be a reference material as part of a comprehensive sex education program or as a family resource book. The language and syntax of the book as well as the line drawing illustrations are geared specifically for hearing impaired young people and others whose need for information on human sexuality may be more advanced than…

Claims that despite recent efforts to eliminate sex inequities in education, schools continue to provide numerous inputs into the child's gender stereotyping system. Reviews research on sex differences in teacher attitudes, classroom and peer interactions, instructional practices, and other school experiences central to gender schemata…