ABSTRACT
Children's social relationships with other children are critically important for their adjustment and sense of well-being (see Parker, Rubin, Price, & DeRosier, 1995, for review). Children are highly motivated to get along with and be accepted by peers (DeRosier, 1995). From the time children enter school, peers take on an increasingly meaningful and influential role, becoming key providers of support, companionship, advice, and affirmation as children mature through the elementary school years and adolescence (Furman & Burhmester, 1992).
