Children’s social competence: Conceptual definition and components

Abstract

Social competence is a multidimensional Construct difficult to define. Two features that have been part of virtually every attempt to define social competence are effectiveness and appropriateness. This construct integrates the external perspective, the evaluative judgement of others, and the subject's own perception. Social competence is seen as hierarchical structure, by virtue of which apparently independent variables appear related.

Social competence in children is viewed from a information-processing model that highlights the processes underlying the social behaviour and allows the description of diverse cognitive and behavioural components. Finally, the essential components of social competence, together with their relevance in assessment and treatment, are described.