ABSTRACT
Forming and rehearsing intimate relationships are fundamental developmental tasks of mid- and late adolescence (Furman & Shaffer, 2003). These early romantic relationships are intensely emotionally charged and a major focus of adolescents’ interest and communication (Thompson, 1994). As adolescents branch out beyond the sphere of family relationships, romantic relationships with peers provide important sources of emotional support, especially for those who are experiencing conflicts with parents (Pawlby, Mills, & Quinton, 1997). For example, there is evidence that among adolescent girls, poor relationships with parents are associated with depressive symptoms, which, in turn, are related to early sexual activity. This suggests that depressed girls may compensate for poor parental relationships through alternative supportive relationships with peers and romantic partners (Whitbeck, Conger, & Kao, 1993; Whitbeck, Hoyt, Miller, & Kao, 1992). The supportive aspects of early romantic relationships are thought to be more important to adolescents then sexual experimentation (Furman & Shaffer, 2003); indeed, the most mentioned motivation adolescents cite for first intercourse is attempting to get their partner to love them more (Rodgers, 1996).
