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LO 10.1. Explain three ways in which the sense of self changes in middle childhood.

Bosacki, S. L., Varnish, A. & Akseer, S. (2008). Children’s gendered sense of self and play as represented through drawings and written descriptions. Canadian Journal of School Psychology, 23(2), 190-205.

Summary/abstract excerpt: The study investigated the relations between children’s perceptions of self and play in 89 school-aged children in two Canadian schools.

Questions to Consider:

1. What is social cognition?
2. What are the gender-related differences in the sense of self? How does self-theory differ between boys and girls?
3. What significant contributions does the study make to understanding social cognition and peer culture in middle childhood?

LO 10.3. Explore the role of peer acceptance in children’s adjustment, including popularity and rejection.

Menting, B., Koot, H., & van Lier, P. (2015). Peer acceptance and the development of emotional and behavioural problems: Results from a preventive intervention study. International Journal of Behavioral Development, 39(6), 530-540.

Summary/abstract excerpt: The study examines the relationship between difficulties in peer acceptance during elementary school and emotional and behavioral problems.

Questions to Consider:

1. What types of emotional and behavioral problems are associated with difficulties in peer acceptance?
2. What are the gender differences in findings on peer acceptance and emotional and behavioral problems?
3. How can individuals intervene in peer acceptance difficulties to benefit children’s level of acceptance and subsequent improvement in emotional and behavioral issues?