NCJ Number
216645
Journal
Journal of Youth and Adolescence Volume: 35 Issue: 6 Dated: December 2006 Pages: 881-891
Date Published
December 2006
Length
11 pages
Annotation
This study examined age and gender differences in peer conflicts among children and adolescents, with attention to conflict issues and resolution strategies.
Abstract
Findings indicate that adolescents reported higher rates of conflict and favored more cooperative strategies for resolving conflicts than did fourth graders, who supported more aggressive tactics. Girls reported having more conflicts related to behaviors in relationships and the use of strategies designed to reduce the intensity of conflicts; whereas, boys reported more conflicts related to status/dominance. The use of effective resolution strategies was linked to social skills. This suggests that a social skills curriculum for adolescents would help them develop constructive conflict-resolution strategies. This should include the use of small focus groups that would discuss conflict issues, gender themes, and acceptable solutions for various conflict issues. Study data were collected as part of a larger research program that examined global measures of social competence in children and adolescents of varying social ability. Participants were recruited from 2 grade levels (grades four and eight) from 12 schools close to a major western Canadian city. The sample was predominantly middle class and White. The Behavior Assessment System for children was used to assess emotional/behavioral strengths and weaknesses and to test for links between adaptive skills and conflict strategies. Teacher reports and self-reports were used to determine behavioral functioning. A semistructured interview obtained information on actual conflict that occurred between children and their peers. The middle-school Alternative Solutions Test measured children's ability to solve social problems. 4 tables and 48 references