Physical Competence and the Development of Children's Peer Relations

One factor that appears to have significant influence on peer relations, especially for boys, is physical competence. Children gain peer acceptance by excelling at something valued by other children, and there is much evidence that athletic skills are valued by other children. Literature on physical competence and peer relations illustrates that children with competent motor skills appear to be popular not only in formally organized competitive sport settings but also in informal “pick up” games. The inferior status of low ability children is clearly evident when they attempt to gain entry into playground games. It is concluded that physically competent children acquire more status and enjoy greater social success than do physically inept children. In conclusion, the article suggests that physical education may be used as an intervention strategy to enhance the peer status of physically incompetent children by improving their motor skills.