Research Interests

My research focus is the processes whereby young children resolve conflicts with family members. In observational, narrative, and experimental studies, my students and I have traced the developmental origins of children's conflicts, especially with siblings, and examined family dynamics as parents involve themselves in the disputes of their offspring. Our work is currently proceeding in three directions. First, we are interested in children's representations of past conflicts with family members, and relate their conflict understanding to the conduct of conflict and to family relationships. Second, we continue our interest in property disputes, exploring children's abilities to achieve win-win resolutions in situations of conflict of interest. Finally, we are examining the use of mediation techniques for resolving a variety of family disputes.

For more information about my research interests and research lab, visit: http://watarts.uwaterloo.ca/~hrosslab/index.html.

Selected Publications

• Ram, A. & Ross, H. S. (2001). Problem solving, contention, and struggle: How siblings resolve a conflict of interests. Child Development, 72, 1710-1722.
• Ross, H. S., Woody, E., Smith, M., & Lollis, S. (2000). Young children’s appraisals of sibling relationships. Merrill-Palmer Quarterly, 46, 441-464.
• Ross, H. S. & den Bak-Lammers, I. M. (1998). Consistency and change in children's tattling on their siblings: Children's perspectives on the moral rules and procedures of family life. Social Development, 7, 275-300.
• Ross, H. S. (1996). Negotiating principles of entitlement in sibling property disputes. Developmental Psychology, 32, 90-101.