Abstract
The aim of this study was to examine the antecedents of cross-racial/ethnic friendships and same-racial/ethnic friendships. The sample consisted of 444 (161 African American, 108 European American, 100 Asian American, and 75 Latino) children who were in the fourth grade from 39 classrooms in 10 public elementary schools. Results of Mixed Linear Models demonstrated that social preference was associated with relative increases in same-racial/ethnic friendships; and leadership skills and the inhibition of relational aggression were related to relative increases in cross-racial/ethnic friendships. Further, social preference weakened and leadership skills reinforced the stability of cross-racial/ethnic friendships. Developmental processes, involving social preference, social behavior, classroom diversity, and diverse friendships were discussed.
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