Once considered a behavior restricted to individuals with developmental disabilities or with borderline personality disorder (BPD), nonsuicidal selfinjury (NSSI) is a remarkably common phenomenon exhibited by youth and adults with a range of diagnostic profiles. Recent estimates suggest that NSSI occuts at significant rates among preadolescents (7%; Hilt, Nock, Lloyd-

Within the first few years of life, children establish relatively stable social positions among their peers. Research has demonstrated longitudinal associations between peer status and a variety of developmental outcomes. However, the correlational nature of this research leaves open the question of whether peer status exerts a unique, causal impact on psychological adjustment. Presented here is a brief synthesis of existing research in the field of peer status, including current definitions of the constructs of peer status and a review of key developmental outcomes often associated with peer status.