Deficits in the ability to accurately detect the emotional cues in others and interpret the emotions and intentions of others is linked to social aggression in children.

Arizona State University

Beginning as early as 1 year old, the child’s ability to pick up emotional cues from others in their environment.

Social Referencing in Children

Reid, J. B., Patterson, G. R., & Snyder, J. J. (Eds.). (2002). Antisocial behavior in children and adolescents: A developmental analysis and model for intervention. American Psychological Association.

Reference: Antisocial Behavior in Children and Adolescents (2002)

Precursor to Social Aggression in Children

Low risk children looked to their parents for social cues twice as fast from children who were high risk which suggest those children were reluctant to look to their parents for emotional support.

Rate of Emotional Cues in Low Risk Children

Children who looked to their parents for emotional cues were later seen to have more confidence in social referencing and positive social referencing in their peers. 

Social Referencing and Self-Esteem

Parents who use coercive techniques train their children to look elsewhere for emotional cues. 

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