Final answer:
Adolescents without close friendships often face emotional challenges like anxiety and depression, as they lack the vital social support that peers provide during this stage of developing independence and identity.
Step-by-step explanation:
Adolescents who have no close friendships are more likely to encounter challenges as they develop. The absence of intimate relationships during this period can lead to a variety of emotional and behavioral issues. Without the social support that friendships provide, adolescents may struggle with feelings of loneliness and could become vulnerable to anxiety and depression.
Having peers influences their social development, providing opportunities for socialization outside the family, and the strengthening of a system of moral and ethical values.
It's critical for adolescents to form strong peer relationships, as they help in developing a sense of identity separate from their parents. The presence of warm and healthy relationships, not just with family but also with friends, has been associated with positive outcomes such as better grades and reduced behavior problems in school.
During this significant time of growth, those without close peers may also be more likely to engage in unhealthy behaviors, such as smoking or early involvement in sexual activity. Colleges recognize the importance of social networks and have developed programs to help mitigate these issues, suggesting that building new peer connections is vital for preventing negative emotional states.