ABSTRACT
For several decades researchers have been concerned with the place of peer relationships in the broader arena of social development. Numerous investigators have suggested that peer relationships may serve unique developmental functions and must be investigated in their own right (Hartup, 1980). For example, Harlow (Harlow & Harlow, 1965) distinguished a “peer affectional system,” centered on play, from an “infant-mother affectional system,” centered on nurturance. More recently, Furman and Wehner (1994) argued that distinctive basic needs were best met within peer relationships. They argued that an initial core need for “tenderness” was best met within parent-child relationships, whereas needs such as “companionship” may be best met within the peer world. Meeting these needs, as well as needs for acceptance, intimacy, and sexuality, which also are part of peer experience, is critical in human adaptation.
