3-118 - Advances and future directions in the study of peer relations across development: Key questions in theory and translation

Session Type: Conversation Roundtable

Integrative Statement

Peer relations are a fundamental developmental context and much has been discovered concerning the role of these relationships. Despite these advances greater attention to theory could foster further integration of peer relations within larger developmental systems. Methodological innovations that may further help to integrate the study of peer relations within the broader developmental field will be explored. In addition, the conversation roundtable will address key questions in theory and translation. Several panelists have experience with translating and disseminating research findings as part of large scale applied initiatives. Specific questions and topics were selected to spark debate as well as to involve audience members in a respectful conversation of the future of the study of peer relations. With regard to theory, panelists will address how peer relations could be conceptualized as part of a broader developmental context that considers multiple levels of influence. The panelists will also consider how a focus on culture and diversity (gender, gender identity, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion) could impact our scientific knowledge of peers and development. To this end, the panelists will address: what innovative methodological advance within developmental psychology could be successfully applied to the study of peer relations to frame key empirical questions but has not yet been conducted? Alternatively, what recent advance within the peer relations field could be applied more broadly to the study of child and adolescent development? Additional topics will address practice issues and debate the purported special role for peer relations during some developmental periods.

Sub Unit

• Social Relationships

Moderator

• Jamie M. Ostrov, University at Buffalo, SUNY

Panelists

• Julie A Hubbard, Univ of Delaware

• Mitchell J Prinstein, Univ of North Carolina - Chapel Hill

• Amanda Rose, Univ of Missouri-Columbia