Abstract
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.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 395-414 |
| Number of pages | 20 |
| Journal | Journal of Adolescence |
| Volume | 27 |
| Issue number | 4 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - Aug 1 2004 |
Keywords
- Adolescent
- Dating
- Friendship
- Romantic Relationships
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health
- Developmental and Educational Psychology
- Social Psychology