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Teen girls with mixed-gender friendships may be prone to substance abuse

By Staff Writer

Adolescent females mature faster than their male peers and typically initiate mixed-gender friendships, making them more susceptible to drug and alcohol abuse, according to a study that was published in the Journal of Research on Adolescence.

The researchers evaluated a group of 400 middle to high school-aged students on an annual basis for seven years.

At the onset of the study, the younger boys and girls appeared to have only same-sex friendships. However, females quickly began initiating companionship with their male classmates, and continued to do so at a faster rate as they aged.

The study findings showed that early male friendships in girls increased their likelihood of substance abuse in their late teens, although this association was not seen among the boy participants.

The investigators noted that many girls tended to befriend older males, which they believe was a result of the young men supplying alcohol.

As the subjects grew older, the negative correlations between mixed friendship and social misconduct appeared to subside, and healthy, romantic bonds were formed among the opposite sexes.

Adolescent females who experience behavioral disorders may benefit from attending boarding schools for girls.

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