Annotation: Recent research examining the role of peer relationships in the development of psychopathology

This Annotation highlights recent research on the role of peer group and fr iendship factors in the development of psychopathology in childhood and ado lescence. Several processes are considered. including peer rejection (e.g., exclusion and victimization), social withdrawal and avoidance of peer inte raction. and the socialization of deviant behavior and internalizing proble ms. The mediating influences of several proximal components are examined, i ncluding cognitive-perceptual factors and emotion regulation. In addition, the moderating influences of close friendship. age, gender, ethnicity, and group norms are considered. Several promising avenues for future directions in research are highlighted, including the examination of heterogeneity in developmental processes. further investigation of gender-based norms. and the application of multi-level modeling techniques and gene-environment pro cess models.