ABSTRACT
For a species that is supposed to be programmed for cooperation in order to survive, humans show remarkable variation in their cooperativeness and in many other aspects of their social behaviour. As detailed in the previous chapter, individual differences in social behaviour have been traced longitudinally from early childhood through adulthood. The differences are often stable and are related to some extent to individual differences in wellbeing. Hence, determining the origins of individual differences in patterns of relating to others is not only important because it satisfies our curiosity, but, to the extent that the differences stem from causes that can be controlled or modified, such research can lead to meaningful measures aimed at preventing maladaptive social behaviour.This book would be incomplete without some discussion of the origins of children’s peer relations. However, space permits only a cursory treatment of these issues.
