Maunder, Rachel and Monks, Claire P. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2638-181X (2018) Friendships in middle childhood: links to peer and school identification, and general self-worth. British Journal of Developmental Psychology, 37 (2). pp. 211-229. ISSN 0261-510X (Print), 2044-835X (Online) (doi:10.1111/bjdp.12268)

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Abstract

Children’s friendships are important for well-being and school adjustment, but few studies have examined multiple indices of friendships together in middle childhood. The current study surveyed 7 to 11-year olds (n = 314) about their friendships, best friendships, friendship quality and indices of self-worth, identification with peers and identification with school. Peer relationships were positively related to self-worth, but not identification with peers or school. Best friendship quality moderated the relationship between number of reciprocated friendship nominations and self-worth. Children with a reciprocated best friend had higher friendship quality and peer identification than others. Where best friendship was reciprocated, the relationship with identification with peers was mediated via positive friendship quality. The results suggest that friendship reciprocity is particularly relevant for children’s self-worth and identification with peers. The findings are discussed in relation to the importance of fostering the development of reciprocated friendships.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	friendship quality; reciprocal friendship; middle childhood; school identification; peer identification; self-worth
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology
Faculty / School / Research Centre / Research Group:	Faculty of Education, Health & Human Sciences Faculty of Education, Health & Human Sciences > Applied Psychology Research Group Faculty of Education, Health & Human Sciences > School of Human Sciences (HUM)
Last Modified:	28 Apr 2020 13:26
URI:	http://gala.gre.ac.uk/id/eprint/21542

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