Positive and negative actions early in the relationship predict later interactions among toddlers

PLoS One. 2022 Nov 3;17(11):e0276932. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0276932. eCollection 2022.

Abstract

Very little is known about the role of early interactions in the development of peer relationships among toddlers. The present study examined whether behaviors early in the formation of toddler relationships predict interactions later in their relationships. Twenty-eight unfamiliar 20- and 30-month-old toddlers from a predominately European background met separately with each of two other toddlers for 18 playdates. Both positive and negative behaviors at the beginning of the relationship predicted a higher frequency of games later in the relationship. Positive behaviors at the beginning of the relationship predicted fewer conflicts later in the relationship. Negative behaviors at the beginning predicted more conflicts later in the relationship. These findings suggest that toddlers' behaviors, when they initially meet, underlie the pathway in which their relationship develops.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Child, Preschool
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Peer Group*

Grants and funding

Grants from Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council awarded to HR (PI) and NH (PI; Number 430-2015-00370). https://www.sshrc-crsh.gc.ca/home-accueil-eng.aspx The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.