A review of the theoretical and research literature indicates having few or no friends is a major diagnostic criterion for a number of psychiatric disorders and is presumptive evidence of some disturbance in development. Adolescents do value friends, but it is not clear if the functions of friendship are unique or whether they might be served in other human relationships. There is much concern about the mental health implications of males having less intimate friendships than females, yet little data to clarify this issue. There is growing evidence to indicate poor peer relationships in adolescence are predictive of social incompetence and maladjustment in adulthood. There is increasing attention being given to the complexity of what is involved in peer acceptance, peer rejection, the selection of friends, social incompetence, and the negative and positive consequences of friendship. Research and theoretical implications are discussed.
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