Disturbed Peer Relations

Historical Context

Decline of Freud’s influence

Greater opportunity for peer interaction Working parentsday care

Social Development

Development of social skills

Hartup’s distinction Vertical relationships Horizontal relationships

Research

Social competence

Overall status

Role of friendships

Sociometric studies

Peer rejection

Associated with Aggression Social withdrawal Internalizing problems

Peer relations & Later Adjustment

Juvenile delinquency Dropping out of school Bad conduct military discharge Psychiatric referrals

Withdrawn Children

Social skills training Social cognitive training

Furman, Rahe, & Hartup (1979)

Socially withdrawn randomly assigned Younger “therapist” Same-age “therapist” No treatment (control)

Increase in positive behaviors Overall, treatment=better. Even better for younger “therapist”

Bierman & Furman (1984)

Random assignment to film making conditions Individual treatment Group experience Coaching and group experience No treatment (control)

Overall, treatment=better. Group conditions=better acceptance scores