Between Support and Risk: The Dual Role of Peer Relationships in Adolescents’ Mental Health

TL;DR

Adolescents see peer relationships as both helpful and harmful to their mental health, highlighting the need for programs that support positive interactions.

Contribution

The study reveals how adolescents perceive peer relationships as both a risk and a protective factor for mental health.

Findings

Bullying and aggression are seen as major negative influences on mental health.

Social support and connection are viewed as key positive influences.

Peer relationships can either increase vulnerability or build resilience in adolescents.

Abstract

What are the main findings?
Youth perceived peers as both positive and negative influences on adolescents’ well-being and mental health.The perceived influence of peers was consistent with existing research on risk, promotive, and protective factors, but some adolescents may construe as positive certain peer relationships that serve as a means of avoidance or escape from problems.

Youth perceived peers as both positive and negative influences on adolescents’ well-being and mental health.

The perceived influence of peers was consistent with existing research on risk, promotive, and protective factors, but some adolescents may construe as positive certain peer relationships that serve as a means of avoidance or escape from problems.

What is the implication of the main finding?
Understanding adolescents’ perceptions of peers as either positive or negative influences on mental health is essential to inform the development of peer-led programs aimed at preventing mental health problems and promoting well-being.Further research is needed to examine the adequacy of adolescents’ beliefs regarding the (mal)adaptive nature of various dimensions of peer relationships.

Understanding adolescents’ perceptions of peers as either positive or negative influences on mental health is essential to inform the development of peer-led programs aimed at preventing mental health problems and promoting well-being.

Further research is needed to examine the adequacy of adolescents’ beliefs regarding the (mal)adaptive nature of various dimensions of peer relationships.

Background/Objectives: Adolescence is a developmental stage marked by profound transformations and heightened vulnerability to mental health difficulties, with peer relationships playing a central role, as they provide both protective and risk factors for adolescents’ mental health and well-being. This study aims to characterize Portuguese adolescents’ perceptions of how peers and friends influence their mental health, both positively and negatively. Methods: Participants were 99 adolescents aged 14–19 years old enrolled in a Portuguese secondary school. Data were collected through two open-ended questions and participants responses were analyzed using a mixed-methods approach, qualitative and quantitative. Results: Bullying and aggression were the most frequently reported negative influences, followed by peer pressure for inadequate behavior, toxic or false friendships, lack of support, criticism, and social exclusion. Conversely, social support was the most cited positive influence, alongside connection and belonging, promotion of emotional well-being, positive peer characteristics, and social learning. Conclusions: Findings support the dual role of peer relationships, which may either exacerbate vulnerability or strengthen resilience. The study underscores the importance of school-based prevention strategies that reduce bullying and peer aggression while fostering prosocial climates and supportive peer interactions.