Dyadic peer interactions of mildly delayed and nonhandicapped preschool children. 1987

M J Guralnick, and J M Groom
University of Washington, Seattle 98195.

Mildly developmentally delayed and nonhandicapped 3- and 4-year-old children were paired systematically in a series of dyadic play sessions to evaluate the effects of companion status on important aspects of peer-related social and play behavior. Mildly delayed children were paired with younger nonhandicapped children matched in terms of developmental level, with nonhandicapped children matched in terms of CA, and with other mildly delayed companions. Mixed-age and same-age pairings for the nonhandicapped children were also arranged. Results indicated that mildly delayed children's peer interactions improved substantially when paired with nonhandicapped older children in comparison to pairings with other mildly delayed children. Pairings with nonhandicapped younger children, although matched in terms of developmental level, had no influence on the peer interactions of mildly delayed children. Nonhandicapped children appeared to be able to maintain a consistent level of interaction irrespective of companion status. Explanations for these findings in terms of the directive role adopted by nonhandicapped older children and their developmental implications were discussed.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D007360 Intelligence The ability to learn and to deal with new situations and to deal effectively with tasks involving abstractions.
D007398 Interpersonal Relations The reciprocal interaction of two or more persons. Social Relationships,Husband-Wife Communication,Partner Communication,Communication, Husband-Wife,Communication, Partner,Husband Wife Communication,Husband-Wife Communications,Interpersonal Relation,Partner Communications,Relation, Interpersonal,Relationship, Social,Social Relationship
D008282 Mainstreaming, Education Most frequently refers to the integration of a physically or mentally disabled child into the regular class of normal peers and provision of the appropriately determined educational program. Educational Mainstreaming,Mainstreaming (Education),Mainstreaming, Educational,Education Mainstreaming
D008607 Intellectual Disability Subnormal intellectual functioning which originates during the developmental period. This has multiple potential etiologies, including genetic defects and perinatal insults. Intelligence quotient (IQ) scores are commonly used to determine whether an individual has an intellectual disability. IQ scores between 70 and 79 are in the borderline range. Scores below 67 are in the disabled range. (from Joynt, Clinical Neurology, 1992, Ch55, p28) Disability, Intellectual,Idiocy,Mental Retardation,Retardation, Mental,Deficiency, Mental,Intellectual Development Disorder,Mental Deficiency,Mental Retardation, Psychosocial,Deficiencies, Mental,Development Disorder, Intellectual,Development Disorders, Intellectual,Disabilities, Intellectual,Disorder, Intellectual Development,Disorders, Intellectual Development,Intellectual Development Disorders,Intellectual Disabilities,Mental Deficiencies,Mental Retardations, Psychosocial,Psychosocial Mental Retardation,Psychosocial Mental Retardations,Retardation, Psychosocial Mental,Retardations, Psychosocial Mental
D010379 Peer Group Group composed of associates of same species, approximately the same age, and usually of similar rank or social status. Group, Peer,Groups, Peer,Peer Groups
D010988 Play and Playthings Spontaneous or voluntary recreational activities pursued for enjoyment and accessories or equipment used in the activities; includes games, toys, etc. Puppets,Toys,Play,Playthings,Plays,Plaything,Playthings and Play,Puppet,Toy
D002675 Child, Preschool A child between the ages of 2 and 5. Children, Preschool,Preschool Child,Preschool Children
D006801 Humans Members of the species Homo sapiens. Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D012917 Social Adjustment Adaptation of the person to the social environment. Adjustment may take place by adapting the self to the environment or by changing the environment. (From Campbell, Psychiatric Dictionary, 1996). Adjustment, Social,Adjustments, Social,Social Adjustments
D012919 Social Behavior Any behavior caused by or affecting another individual or group usually of the same species. Sociality,Behavior, Social,Behaviors, Social,Social Behaviors

Related Publications

M J Guralnick, and J M Groom
April 1976, The American journal of orthopsychiatry,
M J Guralnick, and J M Groom
August 1987, The Journal of speech and hearing disorders,
M J Guralnick, and J M Groom
April 1984, Psychological reports,
M J Guralnick, and J M Groom
September 1987, Journal of abnormal child psychology,
M J Guralnick, and J M Groom
August 2011, Journal of speech, language, and hearing research : JSLHR,
M J Guralnick, and J M Groom
March 1980, American journal of mental deficiency,
Copied contents to your clipboard!