Contextual underpinnings of early adolescents' friendship expectations were assessed in this study. In private interviews, 67 10- to 12-year-old children (38 girls) described behavior they would like same-and opposite-sex friends to perform in five peer activities (academic, telephone conversations, watching TV/listening to music sports, games). Responses were coded using a modified version of the Bigelow and LaGaipa friendship expectation dimensions. Friendship expectations varied for activities but not for same and opposite-sex friends. For competitive activities (sports, games), friends were expected to perform behavior supportive of self-evaluation, such as ego reinforcement and preferential treatment. For noncompetitive activities, relationship enhancing expectations such as inclusion, common interests, and acceptance were evident. Helping was expected for academic activities. These findings indicate that the psychological meaning of friendship expectations cannot be discerned without considering the context in which they are embedded.
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