Abstract
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, selfesteem, 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.
Recommended Citation
Brendgen, Mara; Vitaro, Frank; Doyle, Anna Beth; Markiewicz, Dorothy; and Bukowski, William M.
(2002)
"Same-Sex Peer Relations and Romantic Relationships During Early Adolescence: Interactive Links to Emotional, Behavioral, and Academic Adjustment,"
Merrill-Palmer Quarterly: Vol. 48:
Iss.
1, Article 5.
Available at:
https://digitalcommons.wayne.edu/mpq/vol48/iss1/5