Abstract:

Peer attachment is an important developmental task during adolescence. IPPA, PIML and the newly developed AFAS are existing instruments that specifically measure attachment related aspects of peer relationships in adolescence. Adolescent-parent attachment and adolescent’s own gender are two factors that could predict the development of adolescent peer attachment. Other factors such as sexual orientation and the gender of the peer could also influence adolescent’s choice of the peer attachment figure. However, the correlation between age and peer attachment is still unclear. Secure attachment indicates high quality of peer relationship and promotes adolescents’ social development. Future researches should focus on improving research methods, changing entry points, and diversifying research directions.

Key words: adolescent, peer attachment, influencing factors, quality of peer relationship, social development