Lecture 19 Development with Peers Flashcards
(19 cards)
What are the two main social contexts discussed in peer development?
Family and Friends
How is a friend defined in developmental terms?
Status-matched, close, non-familial
What three characteristics define a friendship?
Supportive, reinforcing, mutual/reciprocal
What makes friendships unique compared to other relationships?
- Voluntary
- equal power dynamic
- transactional
- important for wellbeing
Why are peer relationships less studied in children compared to adults?
Their importance for wellbeing is well-established in adults but less so for children
What is a developmental ‘system’ in Rubin’s model?
Comprises multiple elements, each contributing uniquely, with a specific purpose and limitations
How does Rubin model peer relationships?
As a nested system with levels of complexity (e.g., interactions, relationships, groups)
What defines friendships as dynamic systems?
Elements are interdependent; changes in one element alter the entire system
Name three ways friendships shape youth development.
- Cognitive skills
- Emotional support/validation
- Social skills
How do friendships support cognitive development?
- Through collaborative learning
- perspective-taking
- problem-solving (e.g., social constructivism)
What emotional benefits do friendships provide?
- Validation
- emotional support
- stress buffering
How do friendships enhance social skills?
- Practicing negotiation
- conflict resolution
- prosocial behavior
What is the ‘wicked side’ of friendship support?
- Validation of aggression/deviance
- Bullying/cyberbullying
- Prosocial behavior in gangs/crime
What is a key summary point about friendships’ nature?
- voluntary
- reciprocal/mutual
- temporary
How do developmentalists study friendships?
As systems and dynamic systems
Are friendships always beneficial for youth?
No, they can have both positive and negative impacts depending on context
What does the social constructivist view say about peer learning?
Students learning collaboratively (right) learn more than those working alone (left)
Why are friendships considered ‘equal power’ relationships?
Unlike family/teacher relationships, peers have similar authority and influence
What happens when one element in a friendship system changes?
The entire system adapts or transforms due to interdependence
