Citation

Galluzzo DC, Matheson CC, Moore JA, Howes C. Early Child Res. Q. 1988; 3(4): 417-426.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1988, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/0885-2006(88)90038-5

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Sixty-one children enrolled in child care, 13 to 24 months of age, were classified into one of four social orientation groups, based upon the frequency of contact with adults and peers relative to the total sample: adult-peer, adult only, peer only, and solitary. These groups were then compared with respect to behaviors in child care, adult responses, and child care history. The adult-oriented children expressed the most negative affect. This group and the solitary children were the most passive and dependent, and they were the least likely to engage in complex, competent interactions with peers and to show positive affect. Adult-peer-oriented children had been in their current peer groups longer than all other children. Four mechanisms were examined to account for differences in social orientation: temperament, adult responses, attachment relationship, and child care environments; only the latter revealed significant differences. The availability of social options for children in child care is discussed, as well as limitations of these data for explaining differences in social orientation and suggestions for future research.