Peer Influence on Development in Early Childhood

Most research on early-childhood development focuses more on relationships between children and primary caregivers than on relationships among children of the same age, or peers. Some research, however, does examine the influence of peers on play, learning, and social-emotional development among young children.

    • Peers influence many aspects of early childhood development.

    Imitative Learning

    • Peer influence in early childhood, posited Carol Eckerman and Mark Stein, helps children to develop greater understanding and awareness of others. Children learn about social interaction through imitation and reciprocation of peer behaviors, such as gestures and overtures.

    Complex Play

    • The peers they have in early childhood can encourage children to engage in complex play, Carollee Howes theorizes, which in turn helps them to develop a wide range of social competencies. Howes found that complex play reduces social aggression and withdrawal among young children.

    Sharing Talk

    • Peers can also influence development in early childhood through sharing talk about mental-states, thoughts, or feelings. Judy Dunn concludes that mutual friendships in early childhood help children to better develop awareness and understanding of mental states.

    Peer Beliefs

    • Early experiences with peers can shape children's development of peer beliefs, and their views about whether or not children of their age are trustworthy and supportive. Gary Ladd theorized that young children formulate either prosocial or antisocial peer beliefs as early as late preschool.

    Social Cognitions

    • Thoughts about social matters, or social cognitions, Kenneth Dodge similarly argues, begin to develop in early childhood. Through interaction with peers, young children learn how to decode and interpret social cues, as well as how to choose effective responses and then enact them.

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