Social and Personality Development in Middle Childhood*

Social Comparison

The process by which children compare their abilities, expertise, and opinions to others to assess their own accomplishments.

Upwards Social Comparison

Comparing oneself to peers who appear more proficient, which can motivate self-improvement.

Downwards Social Comparison

Comparing oneself to peers who seem less competent to protect self-esteem.

Stage 1: Other’s Behaviors (Ages 4-7)

Children perceive friends primarily as individuals to share toys or activities with; personal qualities are not considered.

Stage 2: Trust (Ages 8-10)

Friendships are viewed based on the rewards provided, grounded in mutual trust, and children start to take personal qualities into account.

Stage 3: Psychological Closeness (Ages 11-15)

Friendships are characterized by closeness, loyalty, and mutual disclosure and support.

Popular Children Characteristics

Typically cooperative, friendly, and warm; they often have more friends, form exclusive cliques, interact with more peers, and possess social competence.

Bullying

Repeated, intentional aggressive behavior.

Types of Bullying

Verbal, Physical, Relational, and Cyberbullying.

Reactive Bullies

Often easily angered and emotionally dysregulated, may react to perceived threats with aggression, and are often misunderstood and socially rejected.

Proactive Bullies

Use aggression to gain control or enhance social status, are typically socially skilled, and may plan acts of bullying to avoid detection, showing low empathy despite understanding others' emotions.

Effective Anti-Bullying Programs

Include clear anti-bullying policies, bystander training, parental involvement, media training, and student feedback surveys.

Ineffective Anti-Bullying Programs

Programs limited to 'awareness' days or ineffective messages like 'Be a Buddy, Not a Bully.'