A Study of Friendship Characteristics and Problem Behaviors Among Middle Adolescents

Exploratory & confirmatory factor analyses were used with a 15-item adolescent self-report measure to identify 4 salient friendship characteristics with a sample of about 1000 high school students. Higher levels of Overt & Covert Hostility & lower levels of Reciprocity of Relations with one’s closest friend were associated with higher levels of alcohol consumption, percentage of friends who drink, delinquent activity, depressive symptoms, & suicidal behaviours. (36 refs.)