Summary

Children’s ability to understand their own emotions and the emotions of others advances significantly during the school age years and this is associated with a widening social circle and an increase in the importance of their peer group. This widening social circle influences the child’s developing personality as well as their self-concept.

Involvement in peer groups and peer group acceptance is an important indicator of psychological adjustment. Friendships become increasingly important and gender segregation becomes a key feature of these interactions. However, the influence of parents and family remains strong.