ABSTRACT
Adolescence is w i d e l y recognized as a p e r i o d of change i n the form and focus of interpersonal relationships. The nature of the social networks that adolescents experience is generally thought to be broader and qual i tat ively different f rom that of most younger c h i l d r e n . M u c h theoretical (e.g. , Bios , 1979; F r e u d , 1905/1962) and recent empir i ca l work (Grotevant & C o o p e r , 1985; H i l l , 1980; M o n t e m a y o r , 1983) has i l lustrated the changing nature of adolescents' relationships w i t h their parents as they begin to disengage f rom the family and b u i l d more extensive peer networks. These changes involve not only who is seen but also h o w often. F u r t h e r m o r e , the qual i ty of the relationships undergoes changes. As B i g e l o w and L a G a i p a (1975) have noted, early adolescence marks the beg inning of an increased awareness of the importance of emotional support and int imacy i n fr iendships.
