PUB - Publikationen an der Universität Bielefeld

This article addresses the development of social information processing (SIP) and its predictive value for physical aggression by considering cognitive and social factors (hyperactivity/attention deficits, intelligence, social class). Test data and behavioral ratings from preschool teachers stem from the Erlangen-Nuremberg Development and Prevention Study and were assessed at two consecutive measurement waves with one year interval at a group of 334 four-to-seven-year old preschool children. As expected, results initially showed a significant increase in competencies in SIP as well as a slight decrease in physical aggression, which were moderately associated. Concerning the development of SIP all predictors reached significance. However, we found some gender specific results. Regression analyses showed that hyperactivity/attention deficits was the best predictor for the level of physical aggression. Looking at the change score for physical aggression, SIP has - at least for girls - some additional predictive value. Further differential analyses showed that high competencies in SIP among a small subgroup of girls with high hyperactivity/attention deficits lead to significant reduction in physical aggression. These results are discussed with respect to recent studies in the field and implications for preventive measures within this age group.