2-158 - Children's Perceptions of Their Social World: Effects on Socioemotional Adjustment and Peer Relations

Session Type: Paper Symposium

Integrative Statement

Peer relations contribute to socioemotional adjustment, and social information processing models suggest that perceptions of the self and of peers influence children’s success in the peer world. Some youth have intrapersonal vulnerabilities, including anxiety and depression, that affect their perceptions of self and peers and also make it difficult for them to realize the positive benefits of peer relations. This symposium includes three studies with samples from two countries that address innovative questions linking children’s perceptions of themselves and their social world with socioemotional well-being and peer experiences. Study 1 focuses on children’s self-perceptions of competence and their peer acceptance and rejection. Findings demonstrate that social competence has distinct positive and negative components, and views of the self are more strongly associated with peer acceptance than with peer rejection. Study 2 considers perceptions of social competence among children with depressive symptoms and finds that compared to teachers’ assessments of social competence, depressed children have more pessimistic views—ones that contribute to peer victimization across a school year. Study 3 assesses preadolescents’ perceptions of security in their closest friendship and the norms for sensitivity to others within their peer group. Greater perceptions of security from friends and norms of care in the group predict decreases in anxiety over time. Together, results demonstrate how children’s perceptions of the self and of peers are associated with the nature of their peer relations and socioemotional adjustment. Findings are strengthened by the use of short-term longitudinal designs, multiple reporters, and multiple dimensions of peer relations.

Sub Unit

• Social Relationships

Chair

• Catherine Bagwell, Oxford College of Emory University

Discussant

• Catherine Bagwell, Oxford College of Emory University

Individual Presentations

• Same-gender Acceptance and Rejection and the Divided Self in School-age Boys and Girls - Presenting Author: Lisa Astrologo, Concordia University; Non-Presenting Author: Ryan Joshua Persram, Concordia University; Non-Presenting Author: Melisa Castellanos, Concordia University; Non-Presenting Author: William M. Bukowski, Concordia University

• Investigating Depressed Children's Perceptions of Their Social Competence - Presenting Author: Karen P. Kochel, University of Richmond

• Moral Dimensions and Friendship Security Moderate Trajectories of Intolerance of Uncertainty in School-age Children - Presenting Author: Bianca Panarello, Concordia University; Non-Presenting Author: Ryan Joshua Persram, Concordia University; Non-Presenting Author: Melisa Castellanos, Concordia University; Non-Presenting Author: William M. Bukowski, Concordia University