Group Size Regulates Self–Assertive versus Self–Deprecating Responses to Interpersonal Competition

Abstract

The current study examined the hypothesis that group size can influence whether children display self-assertive versus self-deprecating responses to interpersonal competition, especially under stress. Twenty same-sex play-groups (N = 120) of 9- to 10-year-old children played a competitive game in groups and in dyads. Stress was induced by causing some of the children to lose the game and watch as their opponents received psychological and material rewards. Results demonstrated that both the dynamics of the game and individual reactions to stress varied consistently as a function of the social context. Individuals displayed more assertive behaviors in groups than in dyads. In contrast, individuals exhibited more self-deprecating behaviors in dyads than in groups. Given that under naturalistic conditions males are more likely than are females to interact in groups and females are more likely than are males to interact in dyads, group size provides one possible mechanism for the development of sex differences in self-assertive versus self-deprecating behaviors.

Asymmetries in the Friendship Preferences and Social Styles of Men and Women

“…In a related study, Benenson et al (2002) found that children facultatively adjusted their dominance and submissiveness behaviors in response to group size; larger group size induced assertiveness behaviors, such as anger and meanness to others, and smaller groups (dyads) induced subservient behaviors, including self-deprecating and sadness behaviors. According to the male-based philopatry hypothesis, stronger kinship ties among groups of related individuals enabled men to form larger functional coalitions with a reduced risk of interpersonal defection, and to tolerate in-group competition through the formation of dominance hierarchies.…”

The Greater Fragility of Females' Versus Males' Closest Same‐Sex Friendships

“…A related factor that may enhance the vulnerability of females' versus males' closest same-sex friendships is the social organization in which the friendships are situated (Benenson, Nicholson, Waite, Roy, & Simpson, 2001;Benenson et al, 2002). Research has demonstrated that the closest same-sex friendships of females are more likely than those of males to occur in isolation, whereas males' closest same-sex friendships are more often embedded within a larger group context (for reviews, see Baumeister and Sommer 1997;Belle, 1989).…”

“…Research has demonstrated that the closest same-sex friendships of females are more likely than those of males to occur in isolation, whereas males' closest same-sex friendships are more often embedded within a larger group context (for reviews, see Baumeister and Sommer 1997;Belle, 1989). When conflicts between two friends occur, they may be easier to resolve within a group context (Bales & Borgatta, 1955;Benenson et al, 2001;Benenson, 2002;Maccoby, 1986;Slater, 1958;Thorne & Luria, 1986). Groups provide third-party mediators, allies, and alternate partners, as well as eliciting loyalty to a larger organization, all of which moderate the escalation of conflicts.…”

Social Competence with Peers in Third Grade: Associations with Earlier Peer Experiences in Childcare1

“…For example, when preschool boys played together in groups of three or more, their play occurred farther away from adults, was higher in activity level, and was more forceful and aggressive in style. Peer play in larger groups, especially among boys, is often associated with more competition and assertiveness (Benenson, Maiese, Dolenszky et al., 2002). Thus, young children's experiences with peers vary as a function of the size of their peer group.…”