Adolescent Peer Relationships and Emerging Adult Romantic Styles: A Longitudinal Study of Youth in an Italian Community

This study extends understanding of romantic development in the emerging adult years by using an 8-year longitudinal design in Italy. Peer groups at age 13, interpersonal functioning and emotion regulation at age 17, and romantic styles at age 21 were measured in 388 youth. Early peer groups were shown to be indirectly associated with two romantic outcomes: a consolidated style and an exploratory style. As mediators, interpersonal functioning was integral to both longitudinal trajectories, while emotion regulation was unique to the exploratory one. Results provide empirical support for the heterogeneous nature and paths of developing romantic relationships in emerging adulthood and the lasting effects of early peer groups on romantic development beyond adolescence. Results are discussed in consideration of Italian culture.