1. Peer Relations

2. Why focus on peer relationships? I.Strong link between early peer problems and later maladjustment Cowen et al. (1973) – classic longitudinal study  Negative peer nominations in 3 rd grade best predictor of later psychiatric problems

3. Why are peer relations predictive of clinical outcomes?? Peer problems cause later difficulties reciprocal influences of behavior problems and social problems Peer problems serve as early stressor

4. Developmental importance of successful peer relationships II.Developmental impact of peer relationships Social development Affective functioning Quality of life issues

5. Assessment and classification of social status Social status –Popular –Socially withdrawn or isolated (neglected) –Rejected –controversial Social skills

6. Methods of assessment 1.Peer nomination procedures 2.Class play procedure 3.Roster rating method 4.Self-report measures Ethical considerations

7. Girls Just Want To Be Mean 1.How widespread is the “mean girls” situation described in the articles? Can you cite examples or counterexamples from your own experience? 2.What benefits might there be to taking a gender-based approach to studying childhood aggression? (example, looking at whether boys and girls have different patterns of aggressive behavior) 3.Should treatment programs be developed and targeted at relational aggression in girls? What are the potential positive and negative outcomes to such programs?