Warmte van Moeder, Warmte tussen Brusjes en de Sociale Competentie van Kleuters

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study comprises two parts. The first and main objective is to determine the relations between warmth within the mother-child and sibling relationship and social competence of preschoolers. Secondly, the understanding of this relationship will be extended by examining gender differences. Method: In a cross-sectional design, 705 mothers with a child aged 4 to 6 years who has at least one sibling, were asked to fill out a questionnaire about warmth in the mother-child relationship, warmth in the sibling relationship and social competence of their preschooler. Results: A significant positive correlation was found between social competence and both warmth within the mother-child relationship and warmth within the sibling relationship. Boys and girls differ only in level of social competence; girls seem to be more socially competent than boys. Conclusion: Warmth in the home environment of children is of importance for the development of social competence of preschoolers, equally for boys and girls. Therefore, when people are working with families, the importance of warmth within relationships should be taken into account (e.g. as a part of training or treatment). Future research should focus on other possible influences within the interplay of warmth, social competence and gender.