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Can unstable peer relationships in childhood lead to psychological issues in adulthood?

Lavon Letson

Yes, unstable peer relationships in childhood can sometimes lead to psychological issues in adulthood.

What does that mean? Well, it means that if you have trouble making friends or keeping them when you're young, it could cause problems for you later on in life.

Why does this happen? Making and keeping friends is an important part of growing up and developing social skills. When we have positive relationships with our peers, we feel valued and supported, which can help us feel confident and happy. But if we struggle to make friends or experience a lot of conflict with our peers, it can lead to feelings of loneliness, low self-esteem, and even anxiety or depression.

These feelings can stick with us into adulthood and impact our ability to form and maintain healthy relationships. For example, if you have trouble trusting others because you've been hurt in the past, it might be hard for you to develop close friendships or romantic relationships. Alternatively, you might find yourself constantly seeking validation and approval from others because you never felt like you belonged when you were younger.

But just because you had trouble with peer relationships when you were younger doesn't mean you're destined to have psychological issues as an adult. There are lots of things you can do to support your mental health and improve your social skills, such as talking with a therapist, practicing self-care, and joining groups or clubs where you can meet like-minded people.

So, if you're struggling with making friends or keeping them, know that you're not alone and it's okay to ask for help. By taking care of yourself and working on your relationships, you can pave the way to a happier and healthier future.