Friendship patterns of mildly learning handicapped and nonhandicapped high school students

Participant observation techniques were employed in a high school setting to document the friendship patterns of 32 mildly learning handicapped and 32 nonhandicapped adolescents. Three features of friendship were examined: intimacy, empathy, and stability over time. Handicapped adolescents were found to have fewer friendships than did their nonhandicapped counterparts and less stable friendships. There was less evidence of intimacy and empathy between pairs of handicapped peers. Variation in friendship behavior within both populations was noted, and factors contributing to difficulties in achieving fuller friendship were discussed.