Adelaide University study finds peer groups help build resilience in teenagers

Key points

• Belonging to a wider friendship group may help teenagers build resilience more strongly than support from a single close friend, according to Adelaide University research. The study involved more than 21,000 South Australian students aged 15 to 18.
• Researchers found peer belonging was a stronger predictor of resilience than friendship intimacy across all age groups studied. Lead researcher Dr Sarah Halliday said schools could encourage inclusive peer networks while still allowing close friendships to develop.
• The study shows an association rather than proof that larger friendship groups directly cause greater resilience.