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01-01-2011 | Original Contribution

Emotional symptoms from kindergarten to middle childhood: associations with self- and other-oriented social skills

Authors: Maureen Groeben, Sonja Perren, Stephanie Stadelmann, Kai von Klitzing

Published in: European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry | Issue 1/2011

Abstract

The study investigated the interactive impact of different dimensions of social skills on children’s emotional symptoms. We differentiate between self-oriented social skills which focus on considering own goals and needs in social interactions (assertiveness, social participation) and other-oriented social skills which focus on considering other’s goals and needs (pro-social and cooperative behavior). 167 children participated in the study at the ages of 5, 6, and 9 years. A multi-informant approach (parents, teacher, and child) was employed to assess children’s psychopathology. Teachers rated children’s social skills. The study demonstrated the importance of deficits in self-oriented social skills for the development of emotional symptoms. Low levels of assertiveness predicted later emotional symptoms. In children with low levels of pro-social behavior, high assertiveness protected from emotional problems. In contrast, high levels of pro-social behavior emerged as a risk factor for later emotional symptoms, especially when is goes along with low levels of social participation.

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Title: Emotional symptoms from kindergarten to middle childhood: associations with self- and other-oriented social skills
Authors: Maureen Groeben
Sonja Perren
Stephanie Stadelmann
Kai von Klitzing
Publication date: 01-01-2011
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry / Issue 1/2011
Print ISSN: 1018-8827
Electronic ISSN: 1435-165X
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00787-010-0139-z

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Emotional symptoms from kindergarten to middle childhood: associations with self- and other-oriented social skills

Abstract

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

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