Behavioral and Cognitive Aspects of Poor Peer Relations in Children

Viewing peer relations as markers of children’s adjustment, the present thesis examined the associations between disruptive behavior problems (i.e., symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder [ADHD] and aggression) and peer relations. A second aim was to examine how children’s cognitive functioning and view of self and of their social standing are associated with their peer relations and interactions. Gender differences in the above relations were also examined. The findings indicate that although disruptive behaviors are related to poor peer relations, low levels of prosociality (Study I) and poor cognitive functioning (i.e., poor executive functioning; Study II) exacerbate children’s peer problems. Further, overly positive perceptions of one’s social acceptance and low global self-evaluations were both related to aggression within the peer group (Study III). As regards gender differences, high levels of symptoms of ADHD and poor executive functioning, had graver consequences for the peer acceptance of girls’ than of boys’ (Study I and Study II) indicating that these characteristics may not fit the cultural stereotype for girls. Results are discussed in terms of viewing poor peer relations as indicators of problematic adjustment, and also, in terms of assessing the particular significance that peer relations have for children’s self-view and behavior within the peer group. Implications of the findings as regards the interactions between behavior, cognitions, and gender on children’s peer relations are also discussed