Perceived peer context and adolescent adjustment

This study examines the relation between close, dyadic, peer relationships and adolescent adjustment by addressing 3 questions. First, which more strongly predicts adolescent adjustment, the quality or the quantity of close friendships? Second, what are the relative contributions of positive and negative friendship qualities to adolescent boys' and girls' adjustment? Third, how do differing patterns of these friendship qualities predict adolescent adjustment? Participants were 456 juniors and seniors attending 2 midwestern high schools (51% boys; ages 16 to 19, M = 17.2, SD = 0.74) who completed a survey assessing adjustment (i.e., adolescent depression, substance use, positive affect) and the qualities of their closest peer relationships. Results partially supported the hypothesized relations between specific friendship qualities and adolescent adjustment, but the pattern of gender differences was opposite to that predicted. However, negative and positive friendship qualities were jointly associated with all indicators of adjustment. Suggestions are offered for further research concerning the relation between peer contexts and adjustment in adolescence.