ATTACHMENT AND FRIENDSHIP-RELATIONS IN AD OLESCENCE

Attachment research has shown a variety of relations between attachmen t quality in infancy and the qualities of later peer-relations up to m iddle childhood but little has been reported about similar findings in adolescence. In this study attachment representation of adolescents w as assessed by means of the Adult Attachment Interview. Q-sort-ratings of the adolescents themselves and of their best friends about them we re compared regarding ego-resiliency, hostility and single items descr ibing social behavior. In addition their self-image was assessed with a questionaire. Adolescents with secure attachment representations sho wed more congruence in the Q-sort descriptions between self- and frien d-rating, they showed a higher level of ego-resiliency, a lower level of hostility, and judged themselves to be better able to establish clo se and supporting relationships than their insecure counterparts. Conc erning their self-image, secure adolescents reported more general cont ent with themselves and more positive social behavior towards peers. R esults are discussed within the framework of attachment theory.