Development of Adolescent Relationships

Abstract

This dissertation on “Development of Adolescent Relationships” addresses relationships with parents, friends, and romantic partners in adolescence from a developmental perspective. By studying both parent-adolescent relationships and peer relationships at the same time, as well as interrelations between these types of relationships, this dissertation provides more information on the processes taking place in relationships during adolescence. Findings indicate that parent-adolescent relationships become more egalitarian during adolescence, whereas friendships become more supportive. Parent-adolescent relationships and friendships were found to mutually influence each other over time, with a decreasing influence of parents and an increasing influence of friends. Regarding committed romantic relationships, the findings demonstrated the importance of both parents and friends throughout adolescence.