Rebecca Manzi Friendships during adolescence are also essential when growing up: this is revealed by a recent study which highlights how essential it is at that age to develop relationships with peers
Adolescence is a crucial period for establishing the psychological and social health that an individual will carry with them throughout their life. Recently, researchers from the University of Arkansas and the University of Virginia presented findings in the journal Frontiers in Developmental Psychology that prove adolescent years are when one starts valuing relationships for their beauty and worth-an ability that, if cultivated, remains for life.
Friendships during adolescence are not only crucial for the child’s emotional adjustment but also strengthen one’s social competence. At this period of life, youngsters learn the very foundation of forming empathetic relationships, like being kind, humorous, and building long-lasting relationships.
These early networks with peers form the basis for more solid self-esteem and easier adjustment to adult life. When teenagers are accepted within their peer group, it fosters greater confidence and readies them for the challenges of life, such as developing an identity and forming closer, more personal relationships.
Social belonging
The research also showed that adults who believed they had fit into a group of friends when they were young had more predictable mental health, less anxiety, and aggression, and took more satisfaction in their close and work relations. Moreover, the quality of the friendships that emerged beyond age 17 significantly influenced overall life adjustment, so early friendships laid the foundation for a healthy adult life.
Another important implication is that close friendships also have a positive consequence on romantic relationship success. Social skills learned in a close friend group, like active listening and empathetic communication, will then generalize to romantic relationships, greatly enhancing them.
Last but not least, positive experiences shared with friends can affect future professional success. Adolescents who feel they fit well in their peer group will be more likely to engage in activities that contribute to well-being and academic success, leading them to a promising career.
