How Children Become Friends

Distinguishing children who form new best-friendships from those who do not

“…Social competence models of friendship suggest that being outgoing and sociable may improve the appeal and attractiveness of the child as a new potential friend who is enjoyable to be around (Asher et al, 1996). Not surprisingly, it has been found that children able to form new friendships are more sociable than those who remain friendless (Gottman & Graziano, 1983; Parker & Seal, 1996). However, results from such investigations should be interpreted with caution because they focused on young children (Gottman & Graziano, 1983) or new friendships that formed in summer camps (Parker & Seal, 1996).…”

“…Not surprisingly, it has been found that children able to form new friendships are more sociable than those who remain friendless (Gottman & Graziano, 1983; Parker & Seal, 1996). However, results from such investigations should be interpreted with caution because they focused on young children (Gottman & Graziano, 1983) or new friendships that formed in summer camps (Parker & Seal, 1996). Researchers have not explored the significance of prosocial behaviors for new best-friendship involvement, but prosocial skills have been positively associated with the number of friendships (Gest et al 2001).…”

Interpersonal relations between school children and their peers, parents, and teachers

“…According to Gottman (1983), children who become friends show softer conflict resolutions strategies and have less heated disagreements and more equal outcomes than do nonfriends. Also, friends are more likely to remain in relationships after conflict than nonfriends; however, the frequency of disagreements between friends is greater than between nonfriends (Hartup, Laursen, Stewart, and Eastenson, 1988).…”

Peer Interactional Abilities of Children from Four Age-Groups

“…At a time that is generally regarded as increasing in peer influence and importance of peer groups, the lack of research investigating school-aged children's interactions ignores the process through which peer relationships are estab lished. In an attempt to understand the pro cess of friendship, Gottman [1983] investi gated the peer interactions of 3-to 9-yearolds. He found that the majority of the chil dren's connected talk referred to ongoing events.…”