ch 16 - friendships and peers

4-5 yr olds

claim to have a best friend

engage in solitary play is common or normal in preschool unless the child is hovering / wandering aimlessly

8-11 yrs

like one another, engage in shared activities, and include psychological characteristics such as trust is important

adolescence

addition of intimacy

children with good friends (positive friendships)

have higher self-esteem, more likely to act prosocially, less likely to be lonely and depressed

in general they:

• cope better with stresses

• less likely to be victimized by peers

• higher self-worth as young adults

engagement in co rumination

common in girls, friendships are based on discussing personal problems, strengthens bond but fosters anxiety/depression

popular

• liked by many

• show positive emotion and are socially skilled

• some are physically and relationally aggressive but still liked

rejected

• disliked by many

• may be socially unskilled

• related to parents behavior and discipline

• often lonely and disliked at school

• linked with psychological and academic problems

average

mildly liked and disliked by peers

controversial

intensely liked and disliked by peers

• display a blend of positive and negative behaviors

• may be disruptive but also engage in prosocial behavior

• positive qualities keep them from being excluded

neglected

rarely mentioned either positively or negatively

• seem well adjusted

• low interaction and shy but typically socially skilled

• dont report being unhappy or anxious

peer pressure in groups

group norms

• 8th/9th grade

• low self esteem and social anxiety

• risky behavior

peer groups in adolescence

cliques- typically about 5-6 individuals

• importance for girls

• sometimes teens develop and in group identity where they believe their group is superior

• can be called a crowd if bigger which is less intimate, based on reputation, and gives adolescent identity and may bring high self-esteem