Links between Developmental Change in Kindergarten Behaviors and Later Peer Associations

Using secondary analysis of existing data from the Montreal Longitudinal Preschool Study (MLPS, Canada), we examine the basic influence of early behavioral change upon later peer affiliation at the end of elementary school. We also verify the reliable nature of the teacher-ratings, as a more cost-effective alternative to socio-metric measures. Key child variables and their sources include kindergarten teacher-ratings of social skills and classroom behaviors. Results revealed prospective associations between teacher-ratings of children’s general ability to get along with peers and later peer affiliations. Results also revealed prospective associations between early natural occurring change in child cognitive and socio-emotional behaviors during the kindergarten year and later affiliations with popular, deviant, and rejected peers. These issues are above and beyond the influence of family characteristics and baseline cognitive and behavioral characteristics. Our findings have promising implications for contrived change resulting from interventions directed at behavioral change.