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Getting to Know the “Other”: The Characteristics and Developmental Significance of Other-Sex Relationships in Adolescence

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Abstract

Previous research has provided descriptions of the changes occurring in the adolescent social network, particularly as these changes relate to the onset of heterosocial relationships. However, questions regarding the characteristics that distinguish among the various types of other-sex relationships and regarding the function of these various relationships for adolescent social and emotional development remain to be examined. In this article, possible functions of and challenges associated with the onset of other-sex relationships are explored. In addition, methodological challenges associated with studying other-sex relationships during adolescence are described.

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Sippola, L.K. Getting to Know the “Other”: The Characteristics and Developmental Significance of Other-Sex Relationships in Adolescence. Journal of Youth and Adolescence 28, 407–418 (1999). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1021660823003

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