A Case Study Examination of Emotional Competence in a Tween Male

Abstract

A case study design was used to investigate the emotional competence of a Caucasian tween boy from an upper middle class family. Three themes emerged from the data, which were collected via observations, interviews, and two self-surveys; built in friendship, yes man, invisible leader. The findings from the data parallel the literature that reveals that children who consider themselves shy or socially withdrawn tend to find comfort in friendships that come with team sports, do not speak up despite the situation for which they find themselves, and whose leadership skills differ significantly from children that are outgoing or outspoken. These findings help inform how teachers approach and work with shy children in schools. Additionally, parents of shy children should be concerned with the emotional competence of their children and work with them to develop strategies to be successful in their tween years and beyond including nurturing leadership qualities.