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Conceptions of Cross-Sex Friendships and Romantic Relationships in Early Adolescence

Conceptions of Cross-Sex Friendships and Romantic Relationships in Early Adolescence Adolescents' conceptions of cross-sex friendships and romantic relationships were explored in a sample of 1755 adolescent boys and girls ranging in age from 9 to 14 years. These adolescents uniquely characterized romantic relationships in terms of passion and commitment whereas cross-sex friendships were largely characterized by affiliation. Even the youngest of the adolescents made these distinctions. Nonetheless, both age and experience were associated with changes in the use of descriptors. References to intimacy increased in both types of relationships, and references to passion and affiliation decreased. These age- and experience-related differences occurred independently of each other. The results are consistent with the view that even young adolescents who are lacking extensive experiences with cross-sex and romantic relationships would have an awareness of the core features of romantic relationships. Moreover their conceptions were consistent with adults' views of love and friendship suggesting a shared cultural base for conceptions of cross-sex friendship and romantic relationships. http://www.deepdyve.com/assets/images/DeepDyve-Logo-lg.png Journal of Youth and Adolescence Springer Journals

Conceptions of Cross-Sex Friendships and Romantic Relationships in Early Adolescence

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References (18)

Publisher
Springer Journals
Copyright
Copyright © 1999 by Plenum Publishing Corporation
Subject
Psychology; Psychiatry; Clinical Psychology; Developmental Psychology
ISSN
0047-2891
eISSN
1573-6601
DOI
10.1023/A:1021669024820
Publisher site
See Article on Publisher Site

Abstract

Adolescents' conceptions of cross-sex friendships and romantic relationships were explored in a sample of 1755 adolescent boys and girls ranging in age from 9 to 14 years. These adolescents uniquely characterized romantic relationships in terms of passion and commitment whereas cross-sex friendships were largely characterized by affiliation. Even the youngest of the adolescents made these distinctions. Nonetheless, both age and experience were associated with changes in the use of descriptors. References to intimacy increased in both types of relationships, and references to passion and affiliation decreased. These age- and experience-related differences occurred independently of each other. The results are consistent with the view that even young adolescents who are lacking extensive experiences with cross-sex and romantic relationships would have an awareness of the core features of romantic relationships. Moreover their conceptions were consistent with adults' views of love and friendship suggesting a shared cultural base for conceptions of cross-sex friendship and romantic relationships.

Journal

Journal of Youth and Adolescence – Springer Journals

Published: Sep 30, 2004

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