A hallmark of adolescence is an increase in the breadth and intimacy of social relationships outside of the nuclear family, and especially close same-sex friendships and romantic relationships (Buhrmester and Furman 1987). Improved abilities in logical and abstract reasoning, as well as differentiation of self and others (Keating 1990) promote adolescents’ recognition that individuals both within and outside of their families have the capacity to meet varying aspects of their social, emotional, and physical needs. Different figures may be key in satisfying emerging social needs during different stages of development. During infancy and preschool, parents provide companionship and security, while during the school years, peers are important sources of companionship and acceptance. From late adolescence to adulthood, romantic relationships become the greatest focus. Thus, adolescence may be the most important time across the lifespan for close same-sex friendships. The particular...
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Markiewicz, D., Doyle, A.B. (2011). Best Friends. In: Levesque, R.J.R. (eds) Encyclopedia of Adolescence. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-1695-2_314
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