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Observational Study
. 2021 Jul 1;16(7):e0253888.
doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0253888. eCollection 2021.

The longitudinal role of early family risks and early social-emotional problems for friendship quality in preadolescence-A regression model

Olivia Gasser-Haas  1 , Fabio Sticca  1 , Corina Wustmann Seiler  2
Affiliations
Observational Study

The longitudinal role of early family risks and early social-emotional problems for friendship quality in preadolescence-A regression model

Olivia Gasser-Haas et al. PLoS One. .

Abstract

The quality of a best friendship provides information about how developmentally beneficial it is. However, little is known about possible early risk factors that influence later friendship quality. The present study examined the role of family risks and social-emotional problems (behavioral problems, peer problems, anxious, and depressive symptoms) in early childhood for positive (i.e., support and help) and negative (i.e., conflicts and betrayal) dimensions of friendship quality with their best friend in preadolescence. 293 children (47.9% female) aged 2-4, their parents and teachers participated in the study with three measurement occasions (T1; Mage = 2.81, T2; Mage = 3.76, T3; Mage = 9.69). The last measurement occasion was at the age of 9-11 years. Results of the longitudinal regression model showed that depressive symptoms in early childhood were associated with a lower positive dimension of friendship quality in preadolescence. In contrast, early anxious symptoms were related to a higher positive dimension of friendship quality six years later. Neither family risks, nor behavioral problems and peer problems in early childhood were linked to the positive dimension of friendship quality in preadolescence. No early predictors were found for the negative dimension of friendship quality. Possible reasons for the lack of associations are discussed. Findings suggest that children with early depressive symptoms at 3-5 years of age should be the targets of potential interventions to form high quality friendships in preadolescence. Possible interventions are mentioned.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that the research was carried out in the absence of any personal, professional or financial relationships that could potentially be construed as a conflict of interest.

Figures

Fig 1
Fig 1. Standardized results from the model.
T1-T2-T3 = Data measurement occasions. Model fit (χ2[110] = 136.60; CFI = .97; RMSEA = .03; SRMR = .05). *p < .05; **p < .01.
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Grants and funding

This research and the publication of this article were funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation (No. 100013_124949 and No. 100019_166003: Simoni and Wustmann Seiler) and the Jacobs Foundation.