Adolescent Peer Networks as a Context for Social and Emotional Support

Abstract

The findings reported here emerged from a larger study of the social support networks and help-seeking experiences of low-income, Mexican-origin adolescents in San Diego, California. This larger study used a combination of qualitative and quantitative methodologies, and included special attention to those instances in which participating adolescents found in their friends the support necessary to withstand emotionally challenging circumstances (e.g., school-related problems) and to cope in effective ways. The analyses presented in this article highlight such instances but also examine those instances in which peer relationships failed to provide the safety and consistent support adolescents sought. Among the key findings, we describe how platonic (non-romantic) relationships between adolescent males and females emerged as an important avenue for acquiring the multiple and positive benefits of mature adolescent friendship (e.g., emotional support), particularly for the males. Study participants who reported platonic friendships also tended to report ample and diversified peer networks.

The Nature and Correlates of Mexican‐American Adolescents' Time With Parents and Peers

“…In this sample, MexicanAmerican adolescents spent considerable time with peers, and time with peers was linked to adolescents' cultural orientations. These findings are consistent with other work that documents the significance of friendships for Latino youth (e.g., Phinney, Romero, Nava, & Huang, 2001;Stanton-Salazar & Spina, 2005;Suárez-Orozco & Suárez-Orozco, 1995;Way et al, 2001), and suggest that examinations of peer influences on acculturation and enculturation merit future study. Because our data are cross-sectional, we were unable to draw conclusions about direction of effect: Adolescents with stronger orientations toward Mexican culture may choose to spend time in the company of Mexican peers or the other way around.…”

Young people's embodied social capital and performing disability

“…Bonding ties can provide affirmation and support (Stanton-Salazar and Spina, 2005) and emotional capital (Reay, 2004b). Such relationships facilitate young people in developing positive senses of self, and contesting negative representations by others.…”

From program participant to engaged citizen: a developmental journey

“…It is possible that youth settled their conflicts off the premises in less amicable ways or that unresolved conflicts resulted in some youth discontinuing their participation. It is also possible that because the center was an important asset for the young people, regular interaction among diverse youth, even tense interactions, cultivated positive network building behavior rather than social disconnectedness and alienation (Stanton-Salazar & Spina, 2005).…”