Influence of Peer Relationships on the Happiness of Early Adolescents

Abstract

Early adolescence- roughly between the ages 10 and 14 is a time in the life span in which individuals undergo a myriad of changes at different levels, such as changes due to cognitive development, physical development and psychosocial development. The present study investigates the influence of peer relationships on the happiness of early adolescents. This is a non-experimental study that describes the correlation between two variables using a survey method. The study was conducted on 100 participants (50 males and 50 females) between the ages of 10 to 14 years. The IPPA (Inventory of Parent and Peer Attachment) (Armsden, G.C., & Greenberg, M.T.1987) was used in order to assess the adolescents’ perceptions of the relationship with their close friends- particularly how well these figures serve as sources of psychological security (Reliability = 0.91; Validity = 0.57). The Oxford Happiness Questionnaire (Hills, P., & Argyle, M.2002) was administered in order to assess the current level of happiness in adolescents (Reliability = 0.92). Statistical analysis was done using Pearson’s product moment correlation, independent samples t test, one-way analysis of variance and simple linear regression. The results of the data analyzed using Pearson’s correlation revealed a positive correlation between peer relationships and the happiness level of early adolescents. However, based on gender and other demographic variables, the groups did not significantly differ. The study also found that the peer relationships among the adolescents predicted their current happiness level by 18%. Although the sample is small and limited to a specific geographical area, the results emphasize the importance of understanding the impact of peer relationships on the emotional well-being (happiness) of early adolescents. This study is relevant when identifying and working with individuals who are at risk for maladaptive outcomes such as social withdrawal and emotional distress, who lack healthy peer attachments.