Abstract: This study investigates the influence of peer relationships—specifically peer acceptance, peer rejection, friendship quality, and perceived school climate—on social anxiety among school-aged children. Using a mixed-methods approach that combines quantitative surveys (N = 300) and teacher interviews, the findings reveal significant associations between peer dynamics and social anxiety levels. Peer rejection emerged as the strongest predictor of social anxiety, while high friendship quality and positive school climate were found to buffer its effects. Gender moderated the relationship......
Keywords: Peer relationships, Social anxiety, Friendship quality, School-aged children, School climate
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