ATTRIBUTIONAL STYLE IN CHILDREN AND SOCIAL COMPETENCE IN PEER RELATIONSHIPS

The present study explored the relationship among attributional style, current level of self-reported feelings of depression, and perceived social competence. Interaction effects of age, sex, and level of depression were examined for the dimensions of attributional style and perceived social competence. In addition, the study assessed the relationship between the child's self-reported competence and ratings from peers and adults of the child's behavior. Ninety-nine low- and middle-income children (57 girls and 42 boys) participated in this study. The results of the data analyses supported the hypotheses of relationship among attributional style, level of depression, and self-perceived social competency. These findings suggest that cognitive style as well as mood state impact upon ratings of self-efficacy in peer relationships. However, the results did not support the hypotheses that a child's self-ratings of perceived competency are positively correlated with external ratings of social competency from peers and counselors.