Lecture 19 Development with Peers

Question 1

What are the two main social contexts discussed in peer development?

Answer 1

Family and Friends

Question 2

How is a friend defined in developmental terms?

Answer 2

Status-matched, close, non-familial

Question 3

What three characteristics define a friendship?

Answer 3

Supportive, reinforcing, mutual/reciprocal

Question 4

What makes friendships unique compared to other relationships?

Answer 4

• Voluntary
• equal power dynamic
• transactional
• important for wellbeing

Question 5

Why are peer relationships less studied in children compared to adults?

Answer 5

Their importance for wellbeing is well-established in adults but less so for children

Question 6

What is a developmental ‘system’ in Rubin’s model?

Answer 6

Comprises multiple elements, each contributing uniquely, with a specific purpose and limitations

Question 7

How does Rubin model peer relationships?

Answer 7

As a nested system with levels of complexity (e.g., interactions, relationships, groups)

Question 8

What defines friendships as dynamic systems?

Answer 8

Elements are interdependent; changes in one element alter the entire system

Question 9

Name three ways friendships shape youth development.

Answer 9

1. Cognitive skills
2. Emotional support/validation
3. Social skills

Question 10

How do friendships support cognitive development?

Answer 10

• Through collaborative learning
• perspective-taking
• problem-solving (e.g., social constructivism)

Question 11

What emotional benefits do friendships provide?

Answer 11

• Validation
• emotional support
• stress buffering

Question 12

How do friendships enhance social skills?

Answer 12

• Practicing negotiation
• conflict resolution
• prosocial behavior

Question 13

What is the ‘wicked side’ of friendship support?

Answer 13

1. Validation of aggression/deviance
2. Bullying/cyberbullying
3. Prosocial behavior in gangs/crime

Question 14

What is a key summary point about friendships’ nature?

Answer 14

• voluntary
• reciprocal/mutual
• temporary

Question 15

How do developmentalists study friendships?

Answer 15

As systems and dynamic systems

Question 16

Are friendships always beneficial for youth?

Answer 16

No, they can have both positive and negative impacts depending on context

Question 17

What does the social constructivist view say about peer learning?

Answer 17

Students learning collaboratively (right) learn more than those working alone (left)

Question 18

Why are friendships considered ‘equal power’ relationships?

Answer 18

Unlike family/teacher relationships, peers have similar authority and influence

Question 19

What happens when one element in a friendship system changes?

Answer 19

The entire system adapts or transforms due to interdependence