Assessed empathy in preschool children using observational and situational methods and correlated them with teacher estimates of children's popularity. (Author/DB)

Investigated the effect of similarity and reciprocity on dyadic friendship choices in third- and sixth-grade students. Reciprocal (mutual) friendships were more similar in proximity, popularity, and self-concept than those in nonreciprocal (nonmutual) dyads. Results are discussed in relation to the interpersonal attraction theories. (Author/DST)

Compared sociometric ratings, friendship nominations, and social behavior nominations of mutual friends to peer-nominated aggression for third- through six-graders. Found that aggression was negatively related to friendship and passive/solitary behavior nominations. Indicated that peers may support gender-normative aggression while rejecting…

Examined preschoolers' peer acceptance, aggression, and peer competence. Found that children with at least one mutual friend were better liked by peers and were rated by teachers as being more competent than children with no mutual friend. Children with at least one mutual friend were better liked by peers a year later than children with no mutual…

Gender segregation in the classroom is advocated as academically beneficial, particularly for girls. However, the social impact for children has received little attention. The present study compared children's peer relations following the transition from mixed-sex fourth-grade classrooms to same-sex fifth-grade classrooms, and beyond into same-sex…

Two studies of nursery school children examined the relationship between friendships and sociometric judgments of social status. (Author/BB)