Previous research has indicated a variety of factors impact affiliative and coercive interactions and relationships between peers. This study continues this work by examining how individual characteristics and characteristics nested within a relationship impact affiliation and coercion. 104 preschool children were observed during freeplay. Teachers completed ratings for each child and children completed sociometric nominations. Results indicated that children rated high on social dominance and prosocial resource control were more likely to engage in social play. Children played with children that they nominated as preferred peers, and did not have conflict with those that they nominated as disliked peers. Children were more likely to play with and have conflict with peers of similar age and same sex. Children who were high on social dominance were more likely to engage in social play. Finally children who were rated as high on coercive resource control and low on bistrategic resource control were more likely to be in conflicts compared to their peers. Overall the study indicated certain individual and dyadic characteristics are related to affiliation and conflict.
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