ABSTRACT
Some psychologists, such as C. Trevarthen, strongly emphasize the early abilities of rhythm and intersubjectivity that the infant brings to the social interchanges. Some studies suggest that infants who are “securely attached” to their mothers are more confident and better able to explore both objects and peers, and to make new social relationships. The increase in social behaviour in pre-school children was first documented by Parten. Whatever the difficulties of proof, many psychologists believe that social skills training may be useful for those children who lack friends; this training is anyway usually directed to changing behaviours that are the correlates of peer rejection. Children differ in popularity and some less popular children may have less adequate social skills. Sex hormones may have some effect on behaviour. In normal foetal development male sex hormones perhaps predispose boys to become more physically active and interested in rough-and-tumble play.
