Enhancement of the Social Interaction and Status of Neglected Children: A Peer-Pairing Approach.

Author(s)

Stephen C. Messer, Nova Southeastern UniversityFollow
Tracy L. Morris
Alan M. Gross

Document Type

Article

Publication Title

Journal of Clinical Child Psychology

ISSN

0047-228X

Publication Date

3-1995

Abstract

Assessed the utility of a peer-pairing procedure for enhancing the sociometric status and positive social interaction of peer-neglected children. Sociometric nominations for 229 1st and 2nd graders (mean age 7.6 yrs) were obtained and used to identify 24 peer-neglected, 24 popular, and 24 average children. Peer-neglected and popular Ss were randomly assigned to peer-pairing or to control conditions. Each neglected S in the pairing condition was paired with a popular S from her or his own classroom, and the pairs participated in 12 15-min play sessions over 4 wks. Behavioral observations of social interaction were conducted for Ss during recess. Sociometric nominations and behavioral observations were reconducted after intervention and 1 mo after treatment. The paired group experienced significant improvement in both sociometric status and positive interaction rate compared with controls, and improvement was maintained at 1-mo follow-up.

DOI

10.1207/s15374424jccp2401_2

Volume

24

Issue

1

First Page

11

Last Page

20

NSUWorks Citation

Messer, S. C., Morris, T. L., Gross, A. M. (1995). Enhancement of the Social Interaction and Status of Neglected Children: A Peer-Pairing Approach.. Journal of Clinical Child Psychology, 24(1), 11-20.
Available at: https://nsuworks.nova.edu/cps_facarticles/410