The Influence of Individual and Situational Factors on Children's Choice of a Conflict Management Strategy

Abstract

Research Findings: The aim of the present study was to investigate the influence of individual and situational factors on nursery school children's conflict management strategies. This observational study of triadic interaction was carried out among 69 children whose mean age was 48 months. The video-recorded data were coded for the type of conflict, the conflict initiator, and the conflict management strategy (aggressive, prosocial, or avoidance strategy). The results of the study showed that individual factors such as gender, age, and teacher-reported behavioral problems were not related to children's conflict management strategies. Children's conflict behavior was, however, associated with the type of conflict and the conflict partner's strategy. Partner's gender had no effect in the present study. Practice or Policy: The study suggests that, in addition to individual factors, situational factors should be taken into account when exploring children's conflict management skills and planning interventions.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Research for this article was supported by the Estonian Research Competency Council (Grant No. SF0180025s08) and by the Estonian Science Foundation (Grant No. 9033). The technical devices used for recording belonged to the Estonian Centre of Behavioural and Health Sciences.

Notes

Note. TESC = Teachers' Evaluation of Students' Conduct.

^a Indicates after how many minutes a child participated in a new conflict.

*Significantly different at the .01 level.

^a Base level against which other levels are compared.

^a Base level against which other levels are compared.