The role of spatial arrangement in the occurrence of preferential and no preferential groups is examined. The spatial distribution of 2- to 3-year-old children from two day care centers serving low income families in the Ribeirão Preto (SP) area was analyzed. Data were collected by two automatic photographic cameras shooting at every 30 seconds, in three phases: I - open arrangement: the usual space (4 sessions); II - open arrangement: inclusion of shelves along the periphery of the space (6 sessions); III - semi-open arrangement: formation of two circumscribed zones (6 sessions). Physical proximity was used to record the peer groups. The analysis showed: a significant increase in the occurrence of peer groups with increased spatial structure, especially with three or more children; a preferential occurrence of peer groups in the area around the shelves (Phase II) and circumscribed zones (Phase III), with a significant occurrence of no preferential groups. Thus, the data point out the relevance of spatial arrangements for the formation of peer groups, mainly of no preferential groups.
Environmental Psychology; Preferential peer groups; Spatial arrangement; Day care centers; Ecological approach
