Age and Sex Differences in Perceptions of Networks of Personal Relationships

TLDR

The study discusses how different relationships are perceived to play varying roles across developmental stages. The study surveyed 549 youths across fourth, seventh, tenth grades, and college using Network of Relationship Inventories to assess perceptions of relationships with significant others. Findings show that support perceptions shift with age: parents are most supportive in fourth grade, same‑sex friends match parents in seventh grade and become most supportive in tenth grade, while romantic partners rise to the top by college, and age differences also appear in perceptions of grandparents, teachers, siblings, with peak parent‑child conflict in early and middle adolescence.

Abstract

In this study, 549 youths in the fourth grade, seventh grade, tenth grade, and college completed Network of Relationship Inventories assessing their perceptions of their relationships with significant others. The findings were largely consistent with 7 propositions derived from major theories of the developmental courses of personal relationships. In particular, mothers and fathers were seen as the most frequent providers of support in the fourth grade. Same-sex friends were perceived to be as supportive as parents in the seventh grade, and were the most frequent providers of support in the tenth grade. Romantic partners moved up in rank with age until college, where they, along with friends and mothers, received the highest ratings for support. Age differences were also observed in perceptions of relationships with grandparents, teachers, and siblings. Finally, age differences in perceived conflict, punishment, and relative power suggested that there was a peak in tension in parent-child relationships in early and middle adolescence. Discussion centers around the role various relationships are perceived as playing at different points in development.