Linkages among adolescent girls' romantic relationships, best friendships, and peer networks.
This study examined the linkages among girls' best friendships and romantic relationships and accounted for the level of dating involvement as a moderating variable. Social exchange and Sullivan's socioemotional theories served as guides in this process. Questionnaires were administered to 446 girls aged 15-19 years. Results showed that: (a) dating is associated with more positive and less negative interactions with best friends; (b) increasing age and dating involvement are linked with increased reliance on romantic partners; (c) romantic relationships have more negative interactions than best friendships; and (d) peer-network size and structure is related to dating behaviour. Mid to late adolescence is a time when girls shift attention away from friends and towards romantic partners.
University of Miami, P.O. Box 249229, Coral Gables, FL 33124, USA. akuttler@bellsouth.net
Ami Flam
AF
Kuttler
Annette M
AM
La Greca
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001290:Attitude; D005006:Ethnicity; D005260:Female; D033062:Friends; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008149:Love; D008297:Male; D010379:Peer Group; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000523:psychology; D012944:Social Support; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires