Philip Erwin, professor of psychology at Edge Hill University, hasfocused on a technique known as interpersonal cognitive problem-solving,first developed by researchers in the US.
He said, 'One of the problems children often have is actually perceivingthat there are different ways to approach social dilemmas theyencounter. If they can consider various alternatives then they have todecide among them, and it is useful if they can consider theconsequences of the alternatives.'
Professor Erwin is giving a lecture on his research at the universitythis week.
He said, 'Making friends is dependent on social skills, especiallycommunication. Friendship entails knowing about someone and thisapproach is about breaking down those barriers which prevent childrengetting to know one another.'
He gave the example of a boy who wants to use a toy that another childis playing with. He could get hold of it by force or he could be steeredinto alternative strategies through problem-solving, Professor Erwinsaid.
Children view their friends differently at various ages, he said. 'Atsix years old a child will make a friend depending on what sweets ortoys they will give them, but by the age of ten, the child values theirfriends because of their personality and if they can be trusted.'
