Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 15, 2026

Assessment of Social Interaction Behaviors
Published on: February 25, 2011
An interpersonal circumplex model of children's social goals: links with peer-reported behavior and sociometric
Tiina Ojanen1, Matti Grönroos, Christina Salmivalli
1Department of Psychology, University of Turku, Finland. tiina.ojanen@utu.fi
Abstract:
The objective of the present research was to develop an assessment model for children's social goals. The aims were (a) to fit children's social goals to a circumplex model and to examine links between goals and peer-reported social behaviors (aggression, withdrawal, and prosocial behavior) in a sample of 276 participants (134 girls, 11- to 12-year-olds) and (b) to replicate these findings and examine whether social behavior mediates the relationship between goals and sociometric status in an independent cross-validation sample of 310 participants (143 girls, 11- to 13-year-olds). Results showed a satisfactory fit to the circumplex model and adequate psychometric properties of the goal scales of the new measure, the Interpersonal Goals Inventory for Children. Other findings included significant and meaningful relations between goals and peer-reported behavior. Social behavior mediated the relations between goals and sociometric status.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Social Foundations of Self II: The Generalized Other
Erikson's Theory on Socioemotional Development during Childhood
The first four of Erikson's eight psychosocial stages...
Erikson's Theory on Socioemotional Development during Adolescence
Influence of Parents and Peers on Identity
Parental Influence on Identity Development
Parents serve as primary guides and managers in an adolescent's life, offering support instrumental in decision-making and personal growth. This guiding role...
Secondary Motives: Affiliation Motivation and Aggression Motivation
Relationship with Other Adult Family Members and Siblings

