Social and emotional maturity are intertwined. Therefore, as teens’ emotional maturity increases, their relationships with their peers change as they become more vulnerable and emotionally intimate with their peers. This increased vulnerability and intimacy requires greater trust among peers. Thus, during the adolescent years, teen peer groups become increasingly important as teens experience more closeness in these friendships and more gratifying relationships with their peers as a result. Teens now turn to one another, instead of their families, as their first line of support during times of worry or upset. This increased reliance on friendships is yet another way that teens demonstrate their growing independence. – “Teens and Peer Relationships,” Angela Oswalt Which common effect of peer relationships is discussed in this reading? loss of closeness with friends and family
loss of self-esteem
increased emotional support during stressful times
increased vulnerability and intimacy with family