Supplement article
The development of romantic relationships and adaptations in the system of peer relationships

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Abstract

In this review, it is proposed that a systems approach to the study of the development of romantic relationships might enhance our understanding of the nature of social relationships, and the links between social relationships and individual psychosocial functioning. First, a selected literature review is provided on the normative development of romantic relationships during adolescence, antecedents of different romantic involvement pathways, and positive and negative qualities of these relationships. Second, the focus is placed on the how the development of romantic relationships occurs within existing systems of relationships including peer networks and close friendships. It is suggested that the development of romantic relationships may change the peer network and nature of relationships with friends and others, and particular types of transitions in social relationships will likely occur. The timing of these transitions and an understanding of the entire peer system as romantic relationships develop will likely improve our understanding of individual developmental processes such as identity formation and the development of externalizing and internalizing problems. Finally, it is proposed that adolescents are faced with a complicated task that includes developing romantic interests and relationships but managing their changing social networks.

Section snippets

Onset and length of romantic relationships

Dating appears to be a highly sought-after and normative behavior of adolescents living in Western industrialized cultures. Phinney et al. [23] reported that the average age of the first date was 15 years for nonblack females and 16 years for black females, and Wright [24] defined early daters as those dating before age 14 years. In contrast, other researchers [25] reported that most adolescents had gone steady before their 15th birthday. Yet about 30% of adolescent females report very little

Friendships during adolescence

In general, the development of intimate close relationships with peers can play an important role in individuals’ social development 46, 47, 48. Youniss and Smollar [34] hypothesized that friendships with peers have specific socialization roles that are different from the roles of parents. Parents primarily influence young people’s views of social reality and future plans, and relations with friends aid in the acquisition of social skills and may also provide the chance to establish

A systems approach to understanding the development of romantic relationships

Recent progress in social developmental theory has recognized the multiple social systems that interact and mutually influence individual psychosocial development. These theories are broad and extend to our understanding of many social systems such as the family, peers, neighborhoods, and culture [61]. Yet some theorists have paid particular attention to the implications of a systems approach for the study of development of intimate relationships and peer networks during adolescence 6, 49, 62,

A systems approach to the study of the development of romantic relationships

Future research should continue to focus on how the development of romantic relationships changes existing social relationships among adolescents including the quantity of close friends and structure of peer groups, and the nature and quality of interactions with close friends. This should include an emphasis on whether the establishment of romantic relationships changes the way adolescents perceive the nature of their same-gender friendships. For example, it will be important to determine

Peer relationships and individual psychosocial development

The development of romantic relationships and associated changes or difficulties that occur in existing social relationships may have important consequences for adolescent development and functioning including the exploration and commitment process of identity formation, depression, loneliness, and problem behaviors.

Conclusion

Overall, the initiation and development of romantic relationships usually takes place in a context of existing peer relationships and close friendships. Because friendships serve so many important and positive functions during adolescence 6, 33, 71, 72, it is likely that changes in close friendships that occur in conjunction with, and may result from, the development of romantic relationships may impact the nature and opportunities for adolescents’ intimacy and support from individuals in their

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    Dr. Zimmer-Gembeck is currently affiliated with Griffith University, Australia.

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