Friendships are crucial to children's well-being and happiness and lay important foundations upon which later relationships in adolescence and adulthood are built.
This clear, well-structured overview of the nature and significance of children's and adolescents' friendships examines issues such as the impact of social-cognitive development, relationship problems, and methods of promoting positive relationships.
'This is a concise text presented by an experienced teacher in psychology. This book is a very readable introduction to the subject. The information is presented with clarity and without loss of scholarship, and the author draws out for readers areas of current debate. The format is extremely useful of revision of specific areas of the text. It is especially appropriate for readers without previous expertise in the area and provides comprehensive details on how and where to pursue the subject further.' - Anji Wilson, University of Cambridge, in the Journal of Biosocial Science
'An ideal text for beginners in this area. It provides important source material for students interested in children's developing friendships ... I would have no hesitation in recommending it to potential students of psychology, social science and education.' - Doreen Thompson, Research Student, University of Cambridge
'Reduces complex psychological theory to accessible language. There are ample references and guidelines for further reading to stimulate the more advanced student.' - Helen Sharpe, Research Student, Bolton Institute