Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Children’S Sociable And Aggressive Behaviour With Peers: A Comparison Of The Us And Australia, And Contributions Of Temperament And Parenting Styles, Alan Russell, Craig H. Hart, Clyde C. Robinson, Susanne F. Olsen

Faculty Publications

Links between both temperament and parenting, and children’s sociable and aggressive behaviour with peers (physical and relational), were examined. The research was undertaken in two Western cultures (the United States and Australia) assumed to be similar in socialisation practices and emphases. The moderating effects of parent sex and child sex were also examined. Parents completed questionnaires on parenting styles and child temperament. Preschool teachers rated children’s aggressive and sociable behaviour. US children were rated higher on both types of aggression by teachers and on sociability, activity, and emotionality by parents. Girls were rated as more relationally aggressive and more prosocial …