PeerPeer Groups Groups

Stephanie ScharfCEHS 200: Chapter 8

Nov. 3, 2008

Main Points:Main Points:•PurposePurpose

•Evolution of InteractionEvolution of Interaction

•Peer Groups and PlayPeer Groups and Play

•OrganizationOrganization

•Behavior InfluencesBehavior Influences

•Acceptance vs. RejectionAcceptance vs. Rejection

•Positive and Negative OutcomesPositive and Negative Outcomes

Peersequals, individuals who are usually of the same gender, age, and social status and who share interests

I am an only child.

Therefore, my social interactions

with peers took place only

at school and church.

Often, the friends I made would come visit

in the evenings,

where my parents would supervise

our activities.

Ecological ModelReal Life Example

Friends

visit

Make

Friends

CHILD

PEERS

FAMILY

SCHOOL/

CHURCH

Purpose ofPurpose ofPeer GroupsPeer Groups

• Satisfy certain belonging needs

• Often preferred to other socializing agents

• Influence social, cognitive and psychological development

• Influence development of morals and values

• Interaction provides instruction onacceptable behavior.

• Social Support – resources provided by others in times of need–Validation for the self

–Encouragement to try new things

–Opportunities for comparison

–Enable self-disclosure

–Provide identity

Evolution ofEvolution ofPeer InteractionPeer Interaction

Infancy/Toddlerhood• First feel belonging and develop

attachment to parents

• Capable of simple interactions distinguishing self from others

• Progress from emotional to behavioral interactions

• By 3.5 can be socially involved with peers

• Friendship: momentary playmateship

Early Childhood• Parenting styles affect opportunity

for social interactions

• Deal with more complex issues such as power, compliance, cooperation, and conflict

• Interaction increases and becomes more complex, forming groups

• Friendship: one-way assistance

Middle Childhood• School age children experience increase

in social interaction

• Peer group attractive because opportunity for independence from family

• Enjoy the closeness and sharing of emotions

• Group provides identity models

• Peer interaction more than 30% of their time

• Activities become gender-specific and reflect culture

• Friendship: Two-way, fair-weather cooperation; intimate, mutually shared relationships

Adolescence• Develop “best friends” and base friendships

off closeness of the relationship

• Peer group activities escalate

• Turn to group for “what’s hot now”

• “hang out”, talk, watch TV, listen to music, play video games, be seen, see who else is “hanging” with whom, wait for something to happen

• Friendship: autonomous interdependent friendships

Peer GroupsPeer Groupsand Playand Play

• Help learn about environment

• Imaginary situations governed by social rules

• Acceptable way to express emotions and impulses

• Practice skills necessary for adult life

Peer GroupPeer GroupOrganizationOrganization

• Cliques–mutually connected by doing things together

• Crowds– loosely organized reference groups of cliques

Ways Peer GroupsWays Peer GroupsInfluence BehaviorInfluence Behavior

• Reinforcement–giving attention and

acceptance

• Modeling– imitation, conformity

• Punishment– teasing, physical aggression, rejection

• Apprenticeship– the “expert” helps the “novice”

• Stratify– some individuals more

dominant and other submissive

• Develop norms– standards that serve as

guidelines

• Frustration and competition contribute to hostility

• Competition between groups fosterscohesiveness within groups

• Intergroup hostility can often be reduced by working towards a common goal

Adult influence

• How adults mediate the social interaction within a peer group – competitive or cooperative – influences children’s behavior

• Adult leadership style influences socialization

Peer AcceptancePeer AcceptanceVersus RejectionVersus Rejection

Common BehaviorTraits

PositivePositivePeer Group OutcomesPeer Group Outcomes

• Collaboration

• Tutoring

• Counseling

• Neighborhood affects positive or negative effects

NegativeNegativePeer Group OutcomesPeer Group Outcomes

•Bullies and Victims

•Gangs

Bully Characteristics

• Domination

• Physically stronger

• Impulsive, low frustration tolerance, easily angered

• Rule-breakers

• Show little empathy

• Positive self-concept

• Antisocial behavior

Victim Characteristics

• Physically weaker

• Show fear of pain

• Poor physical coordination

• Cautious, sensitive, quiet,passive, submissive, shy

• Anxious, insecure, unhappy

• Negative self-concept

• Relate better to adults than peers

• What to do?

–Intervention with bullies that do notreinforce harassment

–Intervention with victims to alter negative self-concept and to respond in nonreinforcing ways to threats

Gang

• group of people whoform an allegiance for acommon purpose andengage in unlawful orcriminal activity

Reasons Gangs Form

• Racism

• Socioeconomics

• Family structure

• Belief system

PeerPeer Groups Groups

Stephanie ScharfCEHS 200: Chapter 8

Nov. 3, 2008