Detailed contribution information
| Contribution title | 2782 - Pathways to social maladaptation in early adolescence |
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| Contribution code | PS02-40 (P) |
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| Form of presentation | Poster |
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| Abstract |
Objectives. The aim of the conducted research was to identify social adaptation factors in the period of early adolescence. According to one of social adaptation models (Crick, Dodge, 1994), social cognitions influence social behaviour, which becomes the base for evaluation of socially adapted behaviour by others. In the conducted research, the described model is expanded by introducing emotional competence, as one of important aspects of social adaptation. The expanded model was applied to the field of peer conflicts, due to the fact that most of the existing research showed that conflict situations are problematic for socially maladapted children. Methods. The sample includes 655 respondents of early adolescent age. Measured variables were divided into three groups: the first group refers to the variables regarding behaviour in conflict situations (frequency and intensity of conflict situations, conflict resolution strategies). The second group of variables contains variables referring to emotional competence (emotional understanding, empathy and emotional regulation) and variables connected with social information processing (social goals, self image, peer relational schemas). The third group of variables includes peers’ evaluation of socially adaptive behaviour (social preference, aggressiveness, withdrawal, pro-social behaviour and victimization). Results. Peer conflicts are not very frequent and they have moderate intensity. Preferred strategies for conflicts solving are mainly constructive (assertive and problem solving); then passive strategies (distraction and avoiding) and adult-seeking strategies, while the least preferred strategies are those which involves some kind of aggressive behaviour. In the prediction of conflict resolution strategies, variables referring to social information processing and variables referring to emotional competence of the respondent proved to be equally important, showing that deficits in social information processing and low emotional competence contribute to preference of non-constructive strategies for conflict resolving. Conclusion. Preference for constructive strategies for conflict solving proved to be an important factor which contributes to the difference between socially adapted and socially maladapted children. Difficulties in social information processing and low emotional competence distinguished themselves as an additional risk factor for maladaptive behaviour and negative peer relations. |