A systemic perspective is adapted in this account of close friendships and romantic
relationships in adolescence. Data from a series of studies conducted on dyads of
close friends and romantic partners illustrate how, in each relationship, partners
simultaneously negotiate closeness and the expression of individual needs. Two
relational types—interdependent and disengaged—were consistently
found across all adolescent age groups. Interdependent partners were clearly capable
of co-operation. Disengaged partners, although they identified each other as closest
friends, appeared incapable of restraining competition to act co-operatively.
Differences between the two friendship types were evident at each developmental
stage. A three-stage developmental model of adolescent friendship is proposed based
on age-related issues as reflected in the two relational types.
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