The theoretical model presented in this paper emphasized the importance of the social structure as an organization of functionally interdependent relationships. (SB)

Compared third and fourth graders' responses to general self-concept questionnaire items when they were included in academic, social, or physical domain items. Found that there were high and significant loadings of general self-concept indicators on the academic, social, and physical factors, and low or nonsignificant loadings of the same…

Reviews research on children's imaginary companions. Notes that companions may serve many psychological functions, such as compensating for real or perceived deficits, and helping the child through difficult developmental times. Suggests that the companion does not compromise reality testing or social development, but may foster developmental,…

Examines the extent to which an infant's social initiative resists or is modified by three variations in the behavior of adult responsiveness: repeated responses, varied responses, and eye aversion. (HOD)

Studied differences in achieving orientations of preschool and third grade children. Two dimensions of sociocentrism were examined: the development of social comparison and receptiveness to social approval. (MS)

Compares number of classmates' photographs named by boys and girls on four different occasions in two kindergarten classrooms. Patterns of name learning were compared to examine sex differences in the speed and extent to which classmates' names are learned as well as differential selectivity in the sex of peer relationships. (Author/DST)

Examined 28 preschoolers' affective and behavioral responses to 3 potentially problematic peer situations. Results supported a model of social competence which maintains that expressed emotions and understanding of emotions influence social cognition about affective and behavioral aspects of developmentally important peer situations. Social…

Third grade children were taught to share by viewing videotapes of themselves and models in a situation involving sharing. (BD)

Affective responses of two year olds to their day care teachers' affectionate and caregiving behaviors were observed during free play times. Teacher behaviors were affectionate and caregiving physical contact, affectionate words, smiling, and use of questions and instructions. Smiling was the behavior most likely to elicit positive responses from…

Examines the reactions of children in grades 3-4, 7-8, and 11-12 to boys and girls whose behavior was either masculine-stereotyped or feminine-stereotyped along the dimensions of steadiness/excitability, adventurousness/timidity, and rudeness/politeness. (Author/HOD)

Investigated the extent of children's loneliness, their perceived ease in making friends, their estimated social competence as a function of grade and sex, and their preferences concerning eight childhood activities. A loneliness scale and a sociometric peer nomination form were administered to 364 students in grades two, four, and six. (Author/BN)

Examines whether a good relationship with both parents can buffer male adolescents from divorced families against detrimental effects of divorce by preventing adjustment problems, compared to adolescents from intact families. Studied three subject groups: divorced/good relationship with both parents; divorced/poor relationship with both parents;…

Gender segregation in the classroom is advocated as academically beneficial, particularly for girls. However, the social impact for children has received little attention. The present study compared children's peer relations following the transition from mixed-sex fourth-grade classrooms to same-sex fifth-grade classrooms, and beyond into same-sex…

Examined the association between developmental outcomes, such as social competence, and child-rearing practices and attitudes in a sample of 38 preschool-aged foster children and their foster mothers. Findings indicated that higher quality child-rearing practices consistently were associated with fewer emotional and behavioral problems, and that a…

Shows that (1) fathers under economic stress were more likely to be depressed and have marital problems; (2) mothers had greater tendency to be depressed if marital relationship was stressed, regardless of economic situation; and (3) children of families with economic stress and other problems acted more withdrawn in the peer group or engaged in…