Abstract

SOUSA, Diogo Araújo de  and  CERQUEIRA-SANTOS, Elder. Social networks and friendship relationships throughout the lifespan. Rev. psicopedag. [online]. 2011, vol.28, n.85, pp.53-66. ISSN 0103-8486.

Social networks are inherent in human existence. Within the networks, friendship relationships have a large presence, and still predominate when assessed only people's intimate relationships. This literature review aimed to analyze studies of social networks and friendship relationships throughout the development in the lifespan. The proposed review is based on Developmental Psychology. Researches have investigated the impact of friendship relationships on human development throughout the various stages of the lifespan. They focus on different aspects such as social skills, health, quality of life, and longevity. The findings indicate a great relevance of the friendship relationships in human development. Literature is consensual regarding the importance of friends throughout all lifespan; most of the time for improvements in quality of life.

Keywords : Friends; Interpersonal relations; Social Behavior.

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