Abstract
Research on the relation between social behavior and peer acceptance in preschool children and the long-term consequences of peer acceptance or rejection is reviewed. Preschool children who exhibit aggressive behavior tend to be rejected by peers at an early age and these first impressions have a lasting effect on peer acceptance, in spite of subsequent changes in the child's behavior. Social behaviors that are related to peer popularity vary by age and sex. Children who experience high levels of peer acceptance in preschool and who have friends entering kindergarten with them make a better adjustment to school. Recommendations for fostering social development in preschoolers are discussed.
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Johnson, C., Ironsmith, M., Snow, C.W. et al. Peer Acceptance and Social Adjustment in Preschool and Kindergarten. Early Childhood Education Journal 27, 207–212 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1023/B:ECEJ.0000003356.30481.7a
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/B:ECEJ.0000003356.30481.7a