Topic: Children's peer relations are one of the most powerful predictors of mental health
Problems: Peer rejection and neglect are associated with depression, academic problems, school withdrawal, and delinquency.
Purpose: To provide brief introductions to models of social development and peer rejection, and to introduce a developmental-group psychotherapy model for children experiencing peer neglect or rejection.
Sources: Theoretical and empirical literature, as well as clinical experience.
Conclusions: Early identification and intervention with children vulnerable to peer rejection are essential. Research addressing affective experiences of peer-rejected children and the relationships between self-perception and treatment outcomes is needed.