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Children's Communicative Decisions Are Influenced by Gender, Shyness, and Peer Experiences

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Children's Communicative Decisions Are Influenced by Gender, Shyness, and Peer Experiences
Language: English
Authors: Mewhort-Buist, Tracy A., Nilsen, Elizabeth S., Bowman-Smith, Celina K.
Source: Merrill-Palmer Quarterly: Journal of Developmental Psychology. Jan 2020 66(1):1-33.
Availability: Wayne State University Press. The Leonard N. Simons Building, 4809 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, MI 48201-1309. Tel: 800-978-7323; Fax: 313-577-6131; Web site: http://wsupress.wayne.edu/journals/merrill/merrillj.html
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 33
Publication Date: 2020
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Education Level: Elementary Education
Grade 4
Intermediate Grades
Grade 5
Middle Schools
Grade 6
Descriptors: Children, Preadolescents, Interpersonal Communication, Decision Making, Gender Differences, Peer Influence, Shyness, Peer Relationship, Social Influences, Ethics, Negative Attitudes, Deception, Prosocial Behavior, Probability, Victims, Bullying, Grade 4, Grade 5, Grade 6, Foreign Countries
Geographic Terms: Canada
DOI: 10.13110/merrpalmquar1982.66.1.0001
ISSN: 0272-930X
Abstract: The present study examined how school-age children's communicative decisions are influenced by the situation, their social partner, and their own characteristics (gender, shyness levels, and history of peer relationships). Children (8-12 years old, N=246) imagined themselves in social scenarios (depicted through comics) and indicated the likelihood of using particular communicative options (e.g., truth, lie, sarcasm, or prosocial response). They also completed measures of shyness and past social experiences with peers. Findings revealed gender differences: Boys were more likely to tell the truth when their social partner blundered, and boys demonstrated increased willingness to use sarcasm. Girls, particularly shy girls, reported increased likelihood of responding with prosocial communicative strategies. Children with a history of peer victimization endorsed using more critical comments, whereas those with positive social experiences (particularly girls) reported more prosocial responses. Together the findings provide insight as to how interpersonal and intrapersonal characteristics and contextual factors affect children's communicative choices.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2020
Accession Number: EJ1271971
Database: ERIC
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Abstract:The present study examined how school-age children's communicative decisions are influenced by the situation, their social partner, and their own characteristics (gender, shyness levels, and history of peer relationships). Children (8-12 years old, N=246) imagined themselves in social scenarios (depicted through comics) and indicated the likelihood of using particular communicative options (e.g., truth, lie, sarcasm, or prosocial response). They also completed measures of shyness and past social experiences with peers. Findings revealed gender differences: Boys were more likely to tell the truth when their social partner blundered, and boys demonstrated increased willingness to use sarcasm. Girls, particularly shy girls, reported increased likelihood of responding with prosocial communicative strategies. Children with a history of peer victimization endorsed using more critical comments, whereas those with positive social experiences (particularly girls) reported more prosocial responses. Together the findings provide insight as to how interpersonal and intrapersonal characteristics and contextual factors affect children's communicative choices.
ISSN:0272-930X
DOI:10.13110/merrpalmquar1982.66.1.0001