Review of the Relevance of Social Competence to Child’s Development: Lessons Drawn

Abstract

The purpose of the review was to unearth the various outcomes of being socially competent as theory and research evidence has it. Basically, major studies that examined the relevance of social competence and children’s well-being were reviewed. The review has made it abundantly clear that the social and academic gains accrued from being socially competent are long lasting. Particularly, research evidence has shown that social competence provides the needed grounds for academic work to thrive hence it promotes academic excellence. Besides, socially competent children are found to be accepted in social groups and virtually do not have behaviour problems. In spite of the array of studies, which results have shown an association between social competence and academic and non-academic gains, however, the literature review suggests a need for further research concerning factors that lead to social competence or social incompetence. There is paucity of research evidence on how children acquire social competence. It, therefore, behoves educationists and researchers to expend time, energy and intellectual resources to conduct research to that effect.

DOI: 10.5901/ajis.2015.v4n2p449