The relationships between the sociometric status and social competence in Japanese preschool children

The present study examined 240 preschoolers of 8 classes (3yrs to 5yrs; boys =125; girls =115) using nomination sociometric test, and 4 social status groups, popular, rejected, neglected and average, were identified. Meanwhile, the social competence of each preschooler was rated by 8 teachers of their classes, resulting in 4 composite competence subcategories (initiative competence, cooperative competence, leadership competence, competence in relationship with adults). 173 parents of the children (boys =95; girls =78; M=56.98 (SD=10.39) months old, range 41~77 months old) answered questionnaires, regarding the mothers ’ mental health and the temperament of the children, and the playing experience with peers before entering kindergarten. ANOVA and multiple linear regression analysis were conducted. The children of the rejected group show lowest competence in cooperation. Peer initiative competence and cooperative competence positively correlate with preschool children