Middle Childhood Development

Paper Summary:

The paper first points out how middle-aged children's relationships and experiences differ from adult-child interactions and then looks at studies that show how when middle-aged children interact, their experiences are generally based on either assertive and aggressive behaviors or on sociability and general play. The paper then discusses how although there are many emotional and mental benefits to positive peer interactions during middle childhood, poor peer relationships can be devastating in the long-term. The paper reveals that children who have negative interactions or are constantly harassed by the aggressive boys, for example, tend to be at risk for behavioral and emotional disturbances through adulthood.

From the Paper:

"Interaction between peers is varied from one culture to the next with considerable differences that exist in the realm of middle childhood. In many societies, children interact with one another at an early age, but sustained relationships become evident between the ages of three and six. Qualitative and quantitative changes are apparent in middle childhood between the ages of six and twelve with socialization becoming a primary focus in the child's life."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Collins, W. A. (1984). Development during middle childhood: The years from six to twelve. Retrieved December 5, 2007, from The National Academies Press Web site: http://books.nap.edu/openbook.php?record_id=56&page=R1
• Hartup, W. (1979).Two social worlds of childhood. American Psychologist. 34, 944-950.
• Meidrich, E. A. (1982). The serious business of growing up. Berkeley: University of Berkeley.
• Richman, N., Stevenson, J. E., & Graham, P. J. (1982). Preschool to school: A behavioural study. London: Academic Press.

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