PEER-GROUP AND ROMANTIC RELATIONSHIPS IN ADOLESCENTS FROM INTACT AND SEPARATED FAMILIES

The impact of family structure (intact vs. separated) on adolescents' friendship and romantic relationship were assessed, using an Italian r epresentative sample of 300 adolescents. Findings reveal some signific ant differences related to family structure. Compared to adolescents f rom intact homes, adolescents from separated families display a higher level of distrust of others, are less likely to foresee marriage as a certain step in their lives, and show a higher degree of fear toward marriage. Contrary to expectations, there is no significant difference either in the extent and the frequency of contacts with the peer netw ork or the existence of a romantic relationship among the two groups o f adolescents. Implications are discussed.