Social Status and Social Behavior in Peer Networks: A Developmental Perspective

FPG Lecture Series Welcomes Dr. Antonius H. N. (Toon) Cillessen

Children and adolescents spend a significant amount of time each day in the company of peers. Together with their peers, children acquire a wide range of skills, attitudes and experiences that influence their cognitive, emotional, and social development. Peers are also powerful socialization agents, contributing well beyond the collective influences of family, school, and neighborhood. This lecture will focus on the importance of peer relationships and interactions for development. Specifically, three topics will be addressed. First, how peer acceptance and popularity in the peer group can be seen as distinct and unique measures of two different form of social competence with peers. Second, recent methodological developments in the sociometric assessment of peer acceptance and popularity. Third, the role of peer acceptance and popularity in a long-term developmental perspective, linking them to recent longitudinal research on the peer relationships of young adults.

For more information, please visit UNC Events or contact Erica Nouri.