Cohesive Discourse and Peer Acceptance: Longitudinal Relations in Preschool Years.

Relations between peer acceptance and communication behaviors contributing to cohesive discourse were examined longitudinally. Sociometric peer nominations were obtained for 25 children at both 3-4 and 4-5 years of age. Social acceptance was stable from Yar 1 to Year 2, particularly for liked children. Children (n=19) were videotaped in play with two classmates at both years, and interactions were coded for cohesive discourse behaviors. Acceptance of peers' initiations at Year 1 predicted social status at Year 2. Social acceptance at Year 1 predicted use of nondirected initiations and noncontingent responding at Year 2