Investigation of Young Children's Social Skills Constructs Using Rasch Analysis

Abstract

Social skills are important for developing successful relationships and promoting learning. This study investigated the existence of the interpersonal social skills and learning related social skills constructs exhibited by young children within early childhood envrionments. One hundred and seventeen Singaporean children, aged 3 to 6 years, were observed during free play and work-related tasks. Teachers completed two social skills rating questionnaires. Rasch analysis was used, and results indicated that in addition to confirming the existence of these two constructs, other constructs such as Compliance and Group Social Interaction also emerged. The results indicate that occupational therapists need to consider a range of social skill constructs when assessing children's social participation.