Zahn-waxler, Mcknew, Cummings, Davenport, and R Yarrow (1984) designed a

setting for observing preschool children’s reaction to specially created incidents.

The referred child, a familiar same-age playmate, parents of the two children, and
staff members interact in the setting under various condition intended to induce
conflict, distress, frustration, and enjoyment aggression, altruism, and other
emotions may be revealed.

The room in which the observations are conducted, preferably a living room-
kitchenette area, should contain a standard set a toys (for example, rocking horse,
ball, pull toy, toy telephone). The following conditions should be established
(adapted from Zahn-waxler et al..1984. p. 237):

1. A novel environment Initialy. The children play in the novel room, whit the
mothers watching. (5 minutes)

2. A background climate of affection and sharing. Two female adults enter the
adjoining kitchen. They great the mother and children and then cooperate
with each other in a warm and friendly fashion while getting coffee for the
mother and juice for the children and straightening the kitchen. (5 minutes)

3. A natural context. There are no experimental interventions. (5 minutes)

4. A background climate of hostility, anger, and rejection. The two women

return and have a verbal argument while washing the dishes. Each accuses
the other of not doing her share of work around the building. (5 minutes)

5. A second neutral context. (5 minutes)

6. A reconciliation. The adult return. Great each other with affection, and
apologize for their behavior. (2 minutes)

7. A friend’s separation experience. The mother of the referred child’s friend is

asked to leave room. (1 minute)

8. Separation from the mother. The referred child’s own mother is called from
the room as well.(1 minute)

9. Reunion with the mother. Both mother return to the room. (4 minutes)

Mother should be asked not to initiate activities or to interrupt interactions between

the children unless something makes them uncomfortable or appears to be
dangerous. The above condition can be modified to suit the specific room
arrangements.
 Suggested event observational recording codes are as follows (Zahn-Waxler
et al., 1984):

1. Aggression: action that have potential for causing physical or psychological

harm

a. Interpersonal physical aggression – hitting, kicking, pushing, or throwing

things

b. Object struggle – attempts to grab or take another possession

c. Undirected aggression – acts against the physical environment (e.g.,

banging on walls, throwing things on the floor, kicking toy)

d. Intense aggression – acts that are violent or potentially dangerous

2. Altruism or empathic intervention: acts of kindness and caring directed

toward others

a. Child helps, cooperates, provides comfort, or sympathizes with other

person (e.g., pats or hugs a crying person, kisses a hurt, says “it’s OK “ or
“Be careful,” provides a bottle)

b. Child shares either objects or self (e.g., invites other to join in particular
play activities)