4. The present study
To summarize, the first aim of the current study was to compare the prosocial and antisocial behavioral outcomes for 3–5-year old children whose nominated best friends demonstrate high versus low levels of prosocial and antisocial behavior. The term “best friends” – defined as those peers whom children like to play with most – was used to distinguish close friends from playmates who may be referred to generically as “friends” in some group day care settings. Associations between nominated best friends’ behavior and children's own behavior were examined both concurrently and longitudinally (i.e., after a one-year interval). The second aim was to investigate whether any links found between nominated best friends’ behavior and children's own behavior were moderated by gender or by age