Affect-congruent social-cognitive evaluations and behaviors

Child Dev. 2008 Jan-Feb;79(1):170-85. doi: 10.1111/j.1467-8624.2007.01118.x.

Abstract

This study examined whether the affect children feel toward peers would influence children's social-cognitive evaluations and behaviors. The sample consisted of 209 fifth-grade children (11- to 12-year-olds; 119 boys and 90 girls). For each child, 3 target peers (liked, disliked, and neutral) were identified via a sociometric nomination procedure. The names of the targets were then inserted into hypothetical vignettes in which the target peer's behavior had a negative consequence for the child. After each vignette, questions about intent, outcome expectations, and self-efficacy beliefs were asked. In addition, self-reports regarding relationship-specific proactive and reactive aggression and regarding victimization were collected. The results demonstrate that children social-cognitively differentiate between the relationship types and that relationship-specific evaluations are associated with relationship-specific behaviors.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Affect*
  • Awareness
  • Child
  • Culture
  • Female
  • Friends / psychology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Peer Group*
  • Personality Development
  • Sex Factors
  • Social Behavior*
  • Social Desirability*
  • Sociometric Techniques