Garcia Fernandez, Cristina, Romera Felix, Eva, Ortega Ruiz, Rosario and Monks, Claire ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2638-181X (2025) The social preference and friendship in early school-aged children and their relationship with behavior aggression. Journal of Early Childhood Teacher Education. ISSN 1090-1027 (Print), 1745-5642 (Online) (doi:10.1080/10901027.2025.2518499)

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Abstract

Aggressive behaviors during early childhood have been associated with bullying problems in later stages. Friendship and social preference seem to be predominant variables in the stability of aggressive behavior. However, in early childhood there is little literature focused on the relationship of these elements. This study explores aggression and its relationship with friendship, social acceptance, and rejection in pre-schoolers. A total of 227 pre-schoolers (58.1% girls) aged between 4 and 7 years (M = 5.61; SD = 1.031) participated. Aggression peer nominations were analyzed. Linear regression analysis revealed peer acceptance, and rejection, friendship predicted aggressive behaviors while gender served as a moderator. The conclusions indicate that social preference and friendship are associated with aggression behaviors, with gender also being a factor that moderates the relationship between acceptance and rejection behaviors, and aggression in the pre-school years. The educational implications linked to social competence and the positive management of interpersonal relationships are emphasized.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	aggression, social preference, friendship, children
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology H Social Sciences > H Social Sciences (General) L Education > L Education (General)
Faculty / School / Research Centre / Research Group:	Faculty of Education, Health & Human Sciences Faculty of Education, Health & Human Sciences > Institute for Lifecourse Development Faculty of Education, Health & Human Sciences > Institute for Lifecourse Development > Centre for Vulnerable Children and Families Faculty of Education, Health & Human Sciences > School of Human Sciences (HUM)
Last Modified:	22 Jul 2025 09:19
URI:	https://gala.gre.ac.uk/id/eprint/50831

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