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Conflict resolution between friends during middle childhood
1Child Development Program, California State University, Dominguez Hills WH A310-C, Carson, CA 90747, USA. ajoshi@csudh.edu
The Journal of Genetic Psychology
|June 27, 2008
Summary
Children primarily use assertion and discussion to resolve interpersonal conflicts. They often employ multiple strategies and match their approach to their peer's strategy during conflict resolution.
Area of Science:
- Child Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
- Social Psychology
Background:
- Interpersonal conflict is common among children.
- Understanding children's conflict resolution strategies is crucial for social development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the interpersonal conflict resolution strategies used by children.
- To identify common strategies and patterns in children's conflict resolution.
Main Methods:
- An exploratory study involving interviews with 74 children.
- Participants' ages ranged from 8.5 to 11.5 years.
Main Results:
- Children most frequently utilized assertion and discussion strategies.
- Participants often employed multiple conflict resolution strategies within a single conflict.
- Children's chosen strategies tended to correspond with those of their peers.
Conclusions:
- Children's conflict resolution is multifaceted, involving varied and responsive strategies.
- Findings highlight the importance of assertion and discussion in peer conflict.
- Further research is needed to explore the nuances and developmental trajectory of these strategies.
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