Preschoolers' informal peer contacts
Date
2001
Authors
Thompson, C.
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Journal article
Citation
Early Child Development and Care : ECDC, 2001; 171(1):75-89
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Abstract
The opportunities young children have to form and develop ongoing relationships with their peers is a key factor influencing their social development. The primary goal of the present study was to describe the extent and characteristics of children's peer contacts outside kindergarten. Ten mothers of four year old children completed structured questionnaires about their child's peer contacts. Findings were that although the number and frequency of peer contacts varied, girls had greater peer contact opportunities than boys. Few of the peer contacts reported resulted from involvement in the kindergarten setting or other organised activities. The majority of children's peer contacts were longāterm relationships with relatives or children of family friends. Comparisons made between low, medium and high levels of peer contact revealed that children's peer contact opportunities were predominantly influenced by the availability of peers in the family social network.
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Copyright 2001 OPA (Overseas Publishers Association)