Self-representations and socioemotional competence in young children: A 3-year longitudinal study

In a longitudinal study, the connections between children's self-representa tions at age 5 and their self-perceptions, socioemotional competence accord ing to the teacher, and peer acceptance at age ti were examined. The sample consisted of 60 children (33 boys, 27 girls). Self-representations at age 5 were assessed by the Puppet Interview (J. Cassidy, 1988). Results general ly revealed the expected connections between the positiveness of self at ap e 5 and self-perceptions and socioemotional functioning 3 years later. Thes e findings support the predictive validity of the Puppet Interview. Moreove r, they suggest that youngs children do possess at least a rudimentary sens e of being generally worthy and lovable, which can be assessed by using ade quate, age-appropriate interviews.