PARENTAL CORRELATES OF SOCIALLY NEGLECTED, REJECTED, AND AVERAGE CHILDREN - A LABORATORY STUDY

The present study examined the relationship between parent-child inter action and a child's social status. A sample of children was screened to identify three groups rated as neglected, rejected, or average by b oth peer and teacher nomination. Children were observed interacting wi th their mothers while working on a cooperative task. Parent behaviors were coded for commands, suggestions, explanations, questions, and pr aise. Results indicated that relative to parents of neglected and reje cted children, parents of average youngsters emitted significantly mor e commands, suggestions, explanations, questions, and praise. These fi ndings suggest that a relationship may exist between parent behavior a nd children's social status. Implications of these findings are discus sed.