Research Article

Characteristic Processes in Close Peer Friendships of Preterm Infants at Age 12

Table 3

Q-factoring results: examples of most and least characteristic qualities of peer-peer friendship processes.

  LeadershipDistancingMutual playfulness

Most characteristic qualitiesTarget child is leaderTarget child more interested in activity than friendDyad reaches agreement easily
Friend complies with requestsTarget child is cautiousDyad shares
Dyad is coordinatedDyad engages in individual playDyad plays happily
Dyad happily playsDyad is impolite or rudeDyad verbal negotiation is equitable
Target child is direct and assertiveTarget child appears disjointed in playTarget child expresses enjoyment verbally

Least characteristic
qualities
Dyad engages in individual playTarget child shares gossipTarget child controls
Friend ignores target child’s suggestionsTarget child self-disclosesTarget child criticizes
Target child complies with friend requestsDyad shares secretsDyad uses threats/aggression
Target child wanders or is boredTarget child tells positive storiesDyad is wild, out of control
Target child self-disclosesTarget child shares personal facts and informationDyad is impolite, rude

Note. “Target child” refers to research study participant; “friend” refers to study participant’s invited friend.