Citation

Parker-Cohen NY, Bell RQ. Early Child Res. Q. 1988; 3(2): 179-192.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1988, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/0885-2006(88)90021-X

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

In recent years, evidence has accumulated indicating that peer relations constitute an essential component of child development. Although investigators have explored a number of factors that affect peer relations, few have considered the impact of temperament. The present study investigated whether temperament is related to a child's initial reactions to peers in a preschool setting and to changes in social behavior over time. The central hypotheses were confirmed: temperament was related to initial and later social behavior with peers. The theoretical and practical implications of the study are discussed.