Toddler Help-Seeking as a Function of Age and Social Context.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the alternative forms of young children's help-seeking in free play and problem-solving contexts. A total of 72 children aged 18 (N=36) and 24 (N=36) months were observed in pairs in free play and problem-solving settings, as well as in different social contexts--same-age versus mixed-age pairing. Both mothers and an adult female experimenter were present with the children. Mothers also completed the Attachment Q-Sort and the Toddler Temperament Scale. Results indicate that by l8 months of age children engage in explicit, goal-specific help-seeking when confronted with a challenging problem. Girls sought more help on the toys that presented motoric challenges, while boys sought more help on the toys that presented conceptual challenges. Rate of help-seeking increased in problem-solving contexts relative to free play contexts for both ages; however, l8-month-olds relied on gestures, whereas 24-month-olds were able to verbally communicate their needs. There were no differences in help-seeking behavior when social context was changed, and few relations emerged between help-seeking and temperament. (PCB)