Friendships, Peer Relations, and Generativity

Abstract

Abstract This chapter discusses research on friendships and peer relationships in the development of generativity, particularly in late adolescence and early adulthood. Friendships are highly salient at these ages and research suggests that caring for others in the context of a close friendship, combined with concrete caretaking actions, the belief that care has the potential to matter, and opportunities to contribute to others, might be key mechanisms linking friendships to greater generativity. It also discuss how conversations with friends might play a role. Beyond friendships, peer groups foster prosocial behaviors and may similarly reinforce or limit generative development. Future research is needed, but current findings and theory point to the importance of friendships in which youth provide and receive care and see the potential and reason for care beyond the friendship, and toward the larger world. In addition, exposure to opportunities where young people might be exposed to a diversity of peers, and can collaboratively engage in generative practice, might be critical.