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Contextual variations in associations between measures of aggression and withdrawal and functioning with peers: A
William M Bukowski1, Melanie Dirks2, Ryan Persram1
1Department of Psychology, Concordia University.
Developmental Psychology
|December 20, 2021
Summary
This study replicated previous findings on social behavior in children from Colombia and Canada. Collectivism in peer groups strengthened the links between aggression, withdrawal, and peer functioning.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Psychology
- Cross-Cultural Psychology
- Social Neuroscience
Background:
- Previous research indicated cultural variations in social behavior and peer functioning.
- Understanding these variations is crucial for effective interventions.
- Replication studies are essential to validate cross-cultural findings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To replicate and extend findings on the association between social behaviors (aggression, withdrawal) and peer functioning (sociometric preference, friendship).
- To examine contextual variations in these associations across different cultural settings (Colombia and Canada).
Main Methods:
- Multilevel analyses were employed using data from 790 school-age children.
- Participants were recruited from Barranquilla, Colombia (Latinx/Caribbean) and Montréal, Canada (European backgrounds).
- Social behavior and peer functioning were assessed using established measures.
Main Results:
- Replication of place differences was found specifically for associations between aggression and sociometric preference.
- Stronger negative associations were observed between aggression and sociometric preference in collectivist peer groups.
- Withdrawal showed stronger negative associations with sociometric preference and friendship in collectivist settings.
Conclusions:
- The study largely replicated the deep structure of previous findings, confirming cultural influences on social behavior-peer functioning links.
- Collectivism appears to moderate the relationship between children's social behaviors and their peer acceptance and friendships.
- Findings highlight the importance of cultural context in understanding child social development.
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