Summary
This observational study examined whether peer victimisation among children aged 4–5 years involves the same multi-role group dynamics documented in older children. Direct observation of 56 children during 43.5 hours of free play found that whilst onlookers were present in nearly two-thirds of victimisation episodes, few exhibited behaviours consistent with assistant, reinforcer, or defender roles, suggesting peer victimisation at this age is primarily dyadic rather than reflecting cognitive limitations in identifying group roles. The study also documented sex differences in physical aggression and same-sex victimisation patterns.
UK applicability
Findings on early-childhood peer victimisation dynamics and sex differences in aggression may inform United Kingdom early years education settings and safeguarding policies, though the study's specific sample size and school context would require validation across diverse UK settings.
Key measures
Frequency and type of peer victimisation episodes; presence and behavioural responses of onlookers; classification of participant roles (aggressor, target, assistant, reinforcer, defender, onlooker); sex of aggressor and target; type of aggression (physical, other); observer behaviour during incidents
Outcomes reported
The study observed peer victimisation episodes among 56 children aged 4–5 years during free play (43.5 hours of observation) and recorded the behavioural roles of onlookers, aggressors, and targets. The research examined sex differences in aggression types, same-sex victimisation patterns, and the prevalence of assistant, reinforcer, and defender roles in peer conflicts.
Topic tags
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