Psychology

Peer Relationships: From Toddlerhood to Middle Childhood

Module code: C8854
Level 6
15 credits in autumn semester
Teaching method: Lecture
Assessment modes: Coursework, Computer based exam

Peer relationships play a crucial role for children’s development.

You will explore the development of peer relationships in childhood and topics such as:

• the role of play in fostering friendships and positive peer relationships
• the antecedents to positive peer relationships
• peer relationships at the transition to school
• maladaptive peer relationships (such as deviancy and bullying)
• socio-emotional and cognitive outcomes of positive peer relationships.

You will focus on the key developments in children’s peer relationships, from toddlerhood to middle childhood. You will also develop the skills to critically evaluate the measurement tools used to assess peer relationship in developmental psychology.

Module learning outcomes

• Systematically understand key developments in children’s peer relationships from toddlerhood to middle childhood and beyond
• Extend and apply knowledge on the strengths and limitations of different measurement methods for assessing children’s peer relationships
• Critically evaluate the empirical research concerning children’s peer development