| Abstract: | A preliminary study in which the play and negative behaviors of 40 preschoolers (aged 47–57 mo) indicated that Ss were reasonably adjusted to the nursery group by the 3rd wk following enrollment. Study 1 examined changes in peer interactions following preschool experience by observing 37 41–57 mo olds in 2 groups; one was observed 3 wks after beginning preschool and again 3 mo later, and one was observed only after 3 wks. Preschool experience increased social interaction with peers; increases were apparent in rates of dispensing positive and neutral behaviors and of receiving neutral behaviors. Study 2, in which 21 children (mean age 49 mo) were observed after 3 mo of preschool, confirmed these results. Findings support a mere-exposure theory of social interaction. (17 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved) |
