ABSTRACT
Relationships during adolescence reflect the interplay between individual development and dyadic functioning. The changing capacities of individuals as relationship partners affect the properties of relationships (Hartup & Laursen, 1991). When children mature physiologically and gain additional cognitive and social skills during adolescence, interactions with others must be adapted to those changes without undermining the emotional bonds that typify the relationship (Collins, 1995; Hartup & Laursen, 1991; Steinberg, 2001). Moreover, age-related changes in patterns of social interaction and in qualities of close relationships facilitate further development of social and cognitive capacities (Hartup, 1985, 1996; Walker, Hennig, & Krettenauer, 2000; Walker & Taylor, 1991).
