Assessing peer entry and play in preschoolers at risk for maladjustment

Laurie Miller Brotman, Kathleen Kiely Gouley, Daniel Chesir-Teran

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

This study evaluated the psychometric properties of an observational rating system for assessing preschoolers'peer entry and play skills: Observed Peer Play in Unfamiliar Settings (OPPUS). Participants were 84 preschoolers at risk for psychopathology. Reliability and concurrent validity are reported. The 30-min paradigm yielded reliable indexes of engaging and disruptive behavior. Adequate interrater reliability and stability were obtained with minimally trained observers. OPPUS scores were related in expected ways to independent observations of disruptive and engaging behavior during parent-child interactions. OPPUS scores were associated with parent-rated self-control and internalizing behaviors. OPPUS scores were associated with parent ratings of play skills for children with school experience and assertiveness for children without school experience. The OPPUS is a useful, brief method for assessing peer entry and play behaviors in preschoolers.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)671-680
Number of pages10
JournalJournal of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology
Volume34
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - 2005

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Developmental and Educational Psychology
  • Clinical Psychology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Assessing peer entry and play in preschoolers at risk for maladjustment'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this