A social support network measure for preschool-age children

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the reliability and validity of a newly adapted social support network measure for preschool-age children. Seventy-four children between the ages of 4 and 5 were interviewed about their social networks and perceptions of social support. To obtain retest reliability scores, thirty children were randomly selected and reinterviewed 5-10 days later. Cross-validating information was obtained by interviewing 56 of the children's mothers. As evidence of construct validity, sociometric ratings and nominations were obtained from the children. In addition, ratings of social competence, teacher-child relationship and preference ratings were obtained from the teachers. As anticipated, children were able to provide meaningful and reliable information about their social support networks. Agreement between children's reports at two different times, as well as between children and mothers was also obtained. Furthermore, children's perceptions of their social support networks were related to the criterion variables included in this study.