Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
Early Childhood Education Journal, 2025 (SSCI, Scopus)
This study investigates how peer touch behaviors reflect preschool children’s playmate preferences within free play in Türkiye. Data was gathered from 61 children aged five. With observation and sociometric techniques, we conducted a sociometric study complemented by extensive video recordings totaling 16 h 19 min, and 45 s across five classes. Touch episodes were meticulously coded based on their forms, functions, and peer responses. Results indicated a notable connection between the frequency of touch interactions and playmate preference, with preferred children initiating and receiving touch more often. Touch served various functions, including play continuity, communication, control, and affection, predominantly involving non-vulnerable body areas such as hands and arms. Peer responses to touch ranged from acceptance and continued play to rejection and neutral reactions. Notably, no touch episodes were observed in 63 videos, often among less preferred children in sociometric, highlighting social withdrawal linked to specific individual characteristics. These findings underscore the multifaceted role of touch in preschool social dynamics, emphasizing its importance in social bonding and peer relationships.