Peers Flashcards
What are the four theories of peer relations
ethological theory, cognitive-developmental theory, social cognitive theory, group socialisation theory
What do ethologists contend?
ethologists contend that attachment bonds have evolved as they help infants develop social responsiveness to other members of the species
Outline Harry Harlow (an ethologists) perspective on aggression
aggression is probably biologically determined, however, the way that it is integrated into the behavioural system depends on the environment
Outline Harlow’s monkey mother experiment experiment
involved giving young rhesus monkeys a choice between two different “mothers.” One was made of soft terrycloth but provided no food. The other was made of wire but provided nourishment from an attached baby bottle.
Outline Harlow’s mother, peer and isolation monkey experiment
- Mother-only condition: (developed normal attachment to mother, Lacking a peer affectional base, their aggression was inappropriate - foolishly attacked larger dominant monkeys and were aggressive against defenseless younger animals.
- Peers Only Condition (Lacking a mother to clasp, they developed excessive self-stimulating behaviour – timid and easily frightened as they lack a secure maternal base from which to explore, Handled aggression appropriately – attacked strangers but minimized it towards friends)
- Total Isolation Condition (serious difficulties – extreme withdrawal, rocking and self clasping - inappropriate aggression, Children in the peer group form dominance hierarchies – helps to bring the conflict to an end before a physical fight begins – hence, from an evolutionary viewpoint, promotes survival).
Outline the cognitive developmental theory
Piaget -
- Children’s respect for adult authority causes them to turn to adults to settle disputes.
- Locks children into the pre-operational stage
- When children resolve conflicts by themselves they are forced into perceiving other people’s thoughts, feelings, and desires and they learn to appreciate other peoples thoughts.
- Through sustained peer interaction children are believed to outgrow their pre-operational centration and move into concrete operations – expands social-cognitive skills.
Outline social cognitive theory - Bandura
learn from models, provide social sanctions – positive and negative reactions from peers.
- Self-regulation – self standards ( pride or selfcensure – self-evaluations)
- Self-efficacy expectations (social comparison relative to similar peers)
Across the ages of 2-12 years the frequency of peer contacts ____, and the frequency of adult contacts _____.
increases, decreases
are peers more important than parents according to Harris
Group socialisation theory: “Children would develop into the same sort of adults if we left their lives outside the home unchanged and left them in their schools and neighborhoods – but switched all the parents around”
Outline the development of peer sociability in infants and toddlers
- During the first few months of life there is little peer interaction
- By 12- 18 months, toddlers begin to react appropriately to each other’s behaviour
- By 18 months, they display coordinated interactions – enjoy imitating each other.
- By 20-24 months, a verbal component is involved as they describe ongoing activities to each other.
- By 18-24 months, display coordinated and reciprocal play
Outline the development of peer sociability in children
- 2-3 years remain near an adult,
- 4-5 years of playful bids are more likely to be directed towards a peer than an adult.
- 6 - 10 years people had peer groups
- cliques develop in early adolescence
- ## heterosexual cliques develop in mid-adolescence
Outline peers and dating relationships
about 90% of teens have dated by 15. Partners serve more of a companionship function than a romantic one.
Adolescents who date tend to be better adjusted emotionally than those who don’t date.
how does secure attachment with parents influence peers
- Parents may foster or inhibit peer social ability.
- Choice of residence – near parks where children can come into contact with peers
- The influence of alternate care depends on the quality of the care (strong parental influence).
- School choice
how does parental monitoring influence peers
- Indirect monitoring was associated with greater likeability by peers than more direct monitoring by parents.
- Mothers who believe their children are not very socially skilled intervene more in their children’s play activities.
- Supportive parents foster prosocialness in their children whereas those who become cross and angry and controlling foster poor emotional regulation.
What is peer acceptance
a measure of a person’s likability (or dislikability) in the eyes of peers.