Same-Sex Peer Relations and Romantic Relationships During Early Adolescence: Interactive Links to Emotional, Behavioral, and Academic Adjustment

• Published in: Merrill-Palmer Quarterly 2002-01, Vol.48 (1), p.77-103
• Main Authors: Brendgen, Mara, Vitaro, Frank, Doyle, Anna Beth, Markiewicz, Dorothy, Bukowski, William M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Academic Achievement; Adjustment; Adjustment (to Environment); Adolescence; Adolescent Behavior; Adolescent Development; Adolescents; Antisocial behavior; Antisocial personality disorder; Behavior; Case studies; Child development; Children & youth; Cross Sex Friendship; Cross Sex Interaction; Cross Sex Peers; Early Adolescents; Elementary school students; Emotional adjustment; Emotional Development; Emotions; Families & family life; Friendship; Grade 4; Grade 7; Interpersonal relations in adolescence; Intimacy (Psychology); Longitudinal Studies; Middle Schools; Parents & parenting; Peer groups; Peer relations; Peer Relationship; Peer relationships; Peers; Personal relationships; Psychology; Research Reports; Romantic Relationship; Same Sex Friendship; Same Sex Interaction; Same sex marriage; Same Sex Peers; Secondary school students; Self Esteem; Social Acceptance; Social Adjustment; Social aspects; Social Development; Student teacher relationship; Teenagers
• ISSN: 0272-930X; 1535-0266; 1535-0266
• DOI: 10.1353/mpq.2002.0001

It was examined whether early adolescents' involvement in a romantic relationship would be differentially related to adjustment, depending on their relations with the same-sex peer group. Three hundred and twelve 7th graders were assessed with respect to their social acceptance by same-sex peers, involvement in reciprocal same-sex friendships, involvement in romantic relationships, self-esteem, antisocial behavior, and academic performance. Social acceptance by other-sex peers and involvement in reciprocal other-sex friendships were also assessed for control purposes. The results showed that having a boyfriend/girlfriend was related to poorer emotional and behavioral adjustment for those early adolescents who were unpopular among same-sex peers. For adolescents who were popular among same-sex peers, romantic involvement was not related to emotional and behavioral adjustment. Independently of same-sex peer acceptance, however, romantic involvement was negatively related to academic performance, albeit only for girls. The results are discussed in light of Sullivan's theory of social development.