A study of young adolescents in the Netherlands found that having more reciprocated friendships among classmates might be protective against internalizing mental health symptoms. Adolescents with more unreciprocated friendships, on the other hand, tended to be more anxious and to have a stronger desire for more friends. The paper was published in Journal of Youth and Adolescence. Adolescence is a critical period of transition from childhood to adulthood, characterized by rapid physical, cognitive, emotional, and social changes. One of the most important developmental tasks in this period is the formation of a coherent identity. To achieve this, adolescents explore different roles and integrate various aspects of themselves. They also strive for autonomy and independence, seeking to establish their own values and make decisions separate from their parents. Adolescents also face the challenge of developing a sense of purpose and direction in life, which can involve exploring career options and making decisions about their future. Peer relationships become increasingly important in adolescence compared to childhood and instrumental for most of the other developmental goals. These relationships …