The purpose of this study is to compare the peer relations of refugee and non-refugee children in preschool period. The study has a causal-comparative design. The study sample included a total of 40 children, of whom 20 were refugee children and 20 were non-refugee children. In the study in which the random sampling and purposeful sampling method were used, the data were collected by using “General Information Form”, “Ladd-Profilet Child Behavior Scale” and “Peer Victimization Scale”. Findings: It was found as a result of the study that even though there was no significant difference in terms of the items of “aggressive with peers”, “fearful-anxious towards peers”, “prosocial behaviors with peers”, “excluded by peers”, the hyperactivity and peer victimization in refugee and non-refugee children, a significant difference was found between the asocial behaviors of refugee and non-refugee children. According to their mean ranks, it was observed that the refugee children who showed less aggression with peers and prosocial behaviors towards their peers were more anxious/fearful and displayed asocial behaviors, were excluded more by their peers, were less hyperactive and were exposed to more peer violence. According to these results, it can be recommended to develop social skill programs for refugee and non-refugee children and determine the current situation by spreading the sample to larger groups.

DOI: 10.1016/j.apnu.2019.01.004
ISSN: 0883-9417