Relations between friendship and group acceptance were examined by assessing multiple dimensions of adolescents' (N = 77) peer relationships at a summer camp. Adolescents whose best friendships at camp had more positive features were viewed more positively by the other campers in their group than were other adolescents. Adolescents whose best friendships prior to camp had more positive features formed better friendships at camp but were not viewed more positively by their camp groups than were other adolescents. Adolescents whose best friendships prior to camp had more negative features were viewed as more antagonistic by the other campers in their group but did not have a more antagonistic relationship with their best friend at camp than did other adolescents. Adolescents who came to camp with a friend evaluated camp more positively than did those who came alone. The results indicate that distinctions should be made between friendships and group acceptance and between the positive and negative aspects of those peer relationships. Results also indicate that both types of relationships are important in adapting to a new social setting.
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