Responses of abused, neglected, and non-maltreated children to the behaviors of their peers

Abstract

Contingency relationships between the behaviors of peer partners and the responses of abused, neglected, and non-maltreated children were examined in a sample of 18 children enrolled in an intervention day care center. The abused, neglected, and non-maltreated children were matched for developmental status and age, height and weight, demographic factors and time enrolled at the day care center. Children were observed in both a structured play setting and during free play periods in their classrooms. The frequency and sequence of social behaviors were coded in 5 continuously coded intervals. Contingent responses to peer aggression, friendly behaviors, and distress were recorded. Maltreated children tended to respond to aggression with aggression, while non-maltreated children responded by crying. Only maltreated children resisted friendly overtures. Abused children responded to the distress of peers with aggression, while non-maltreated children responded with prosocial behaviors. More intense responses were found in the structured than in the free play observation setting. Different response patterns were found in the structured and free play settings. The implications of this research for direct intervention with maltreated children were discussed. Providing maltreated children with structured opportunities for peer interaction may facilitate the acquisition of social skills.