In the days before exploring adolescence from the perspective of human motivation and development, I probably would have said that the role of friendships during this phase of development is synonymous with diminished outcomes. However, friendships are central to the development of adolescents. Reflecting upon friendship during this developmental phase allows for recognition of the importance of connection and relatedness that profoundly shape adolescent development.

Friendships have a profound impact on the development and relational well-being of adolescents. Friendships extend beyond social interactions and become the cornerstone of emotional health and development when navigating the complexity of decision-making. Adolescence is synonymous with rapid cognitive, physical and psycho-social growth, where the role of friendships cannot be overstated. The quality of friendships, when based on strong and supportive connections, yields outcomes such as improved self-esteem, mental health and academic performance.

Friends provide opportunities for support during adolescence, such as offering advice, showing empathy and being a sounding board for the many ideas and decisions faced. The support offered through friendships helps adolescents when they are faced with situations in which decisions need to be made. When the quality of the friendship promotes positive outcomes, it would yield developmentally appropriate forms of decision-making, but not dismissing the potential of less desirable outcomes too. Many view the role of friendships to be salient in adolescent development and decision-making, but I view friendships as central to the decision-making of adolescents. Adolescents often seek the opinions or views of their friends before making a decision. The decision-making process that they engage in has implications for their development and well-being.

Acknowledging the importance of friendship in the development of adolescents and celebrating International Friendship Day allows one to highlight the positive role that friends can play in pro-social development during adolescence. Friends can be role models who promote adaptive forms of decision-making. When friendships are based on positive relationships that foster a sense of belonging, autonomy and competence, the outcome is often associated with improved well-being that supports pro-social adolescent development.

Friendships during adolescence can be a catalyst for shaping positive developmental outcomes and relational well-being. Examples of this can be seen when friends act as support systems during turbulent times or when acting as role models who encourage decisions and actions that lead to healthy outcomes. Reflecting upon and promoting positive friendships during adolescence is essential for positive development and relational well-being.

Prof Eugene Lee Davids is an associate professor in the Department of Psychology at UP. His research delves into healthy decision-making among adolescents and emerging adults. His work aims to understand and improve how adolescents and emerging adults make choices that impact their health and well-being; this will provide valuable insights that can inform interventions and policies to support healthier developmental trajectories.