Researchers typically employ either peer or self-reports to assess involvement in bullying. In this study, we examined the merits of each method for the identification of child characteristics related to victimization and bullying others. Accordingly, we investigated the difference between these two methods with regard to their relationship with…

The present study tested two competing models to assess whether psychosocial adjustment problems mediate the associations between peer victimization and school connectedness one year later, or if peer victimization mediates the associations between psychosocial adjustment problems and school connectedness. Participants were 500 10- to 14-year-old…

This article reports the development and evidence for validity and application of the Adjustment Scales for Early Transition in Schooling (ASETS). Based on primary analyses of data from the Head Start Impact Study, a nationally representative sample (N = 3077) of randomly selected children from low-income households is configured to inform…

The primary aim of this investigation was to evaluate a model in which children's social behaviors, including prosocial behavior, setting limits, and social withdrawal, were hypothesized to mediate the links between local language competence (LLC) and peer acceptance and victimization. Longitudinal data were collected via teacher and peer reports…

This study assessed the importance of teacher preference of individual students, relative to peer rejection and student aggression, as an independent predictor of children's emotional adjustment and grades. First, a longitudinal, cross-lagged path analysis was conducted to determine the patterns of influence among teacher preference, peer…

The current study examined the extent to which teacher-child relationship contributed to school adjustment among 1310 elementary school-aged students and the degree to which this relationship was moderated by significant child characteristics. The results suggest a consistent and comparable effect for children across grades, gender, and types of…

A review of early test data and school, environmental, and sociometric information from the Austin Longitudinal Research Project suggests that certain indicators are useful as precursors of personal adjustment nine years later. (Author)

Children's relationships with their teachers were examined in a three-year longitudinal study beginning in their next-to-last year of preschool and continuing through kindergarten. Results show that perceptions of teacher-child relationship quality were consistent from preschool to kindergarten. Teachers reported greater closeness and more…

Studied the use of a social learning approach to reduce the unpopularity of an 11-year-old girl. Used a multiple baseline design to successively implement reinforcement contingencies on each class of social skill. Substantial improvements in performance were noted. Sociometric ratings of popularity by others improved after intervention. (Author/RC)

Introduction: This meta-analysis evaluates the effect of school programs targeting stress management or coping skills in school children. Methods: Articles were selected through a systematic literature search. Only randomized controlled trials or quasi-experimental studies were included. The standardized mean differences (SMDs) between baseline…

Uses longitudinal data to determine whether a positive view of perceived peer acceptance is a risk factor for continued aggression and social rejection for aggressive children. Results indicate that perceived peer acceptance did not predict aggression. However, children who reported higher levels of perceived peer acceptance received lower actual…

Surveys elementary school children (N=289) to examine aspects of their social and contextual experiences in schools. Students classified as having poor relationships with teachers and poor bonds with school had poorer scores on self- and teacher ratings for social and emotional adjustment. Results provide researchers with descriptive typology that…

Research on child and family factors in early childhood has shown that both are associated with social and instrumental functioning at school entry. The present study sought to examine the direct and indirect effects of child negative emotionality, maternal education, depression, IQ, and quality of maternal instruction on children's academic and…

Implemented a social-emotional intervention for at-risk 4-year-olds in seven day-care classes. Teachers were trained to perform activities associated with relationship building. Compared to children who did not experience the intervention, children who had it were observed showing decreases in negative emotion, greater involvement, and more…

Four types of peer victimizations (physical, direct verbal, indirect verbal, and general) were assessed using a sample of 200 kindergartners. Peer victimization was reported by a large percentage of children, with female and males being equally at risk. Victimized children were compared to nonvictimized children on several social and academic…