Peer Influences in Pediatric Chronic Illness: An Update

Examined research on peer relations of children with chronic illness. In general, scant attention has been devoted to this topic. A recent review (La Greca, 1990) highlighted this oversight and suggested several avenues for further research and clinical endeavors. This paper updates the earlier review, and provides examples from current literature regarding the role of peer relations in adjustment to chronic disease. Data are presented from an ongoing investigation of the ways in which friends and family members provide support for adolescents with diabetes. Adolescents' friends were more oriented toward companionship support than were family members; both family and friends were reported to provide emotional support for diabetes care, although the types of emotional support varied. Findings are discussed in the context of the important and varied role that peers play in youngsters' disease adaptation.