Study: How Many Friends Does a Child Need to Be Happy?

A study conducted at the University of Sussex, England reveals that even one close and supportive friendship can significantly motivate young people from low socio-economic backgrounds and help them thrive despite challenging life circumstances.

In the study, led by Dr. Rebecca Graber of the University of Sussex, researchers surveyed 409 adolescents aged 11 to 19 living in areas characterized by low socio-economic status. The participants, who were students in schools and colleges, were asked to assess their close friendships and how they cope with problems.

The findings suggest that a good friend can indeed improve the well-being of teens from disadvantaged backgrounds. A close friend can boost self-confidence and support teens facing challenges related to employment, health, and social integration. Friends provide help through joint planning, positive thinking, and emotional support.

Interestingly, the study also found that being part of a peer group or “clique” can sometimes have a negative impact, particularly on boys.

Illustration (Photo: Nati Shohat / Flash 90)

The research also showed gender differences: according to the researchers, boys benefit more from close friendships than girls. While girls receive emotional encouragement in close relationships, they also tend to receive more poor advice and are more likely to adopt unhealthy coping strategies such as smoking or drug use.

The findings show that girls are more likely to blame themselves when things go wrong, whereas boys are more capable of understanding that they’re not necessarily at fault, which enables them to adopt more effective coping mechanisms.

Dr. Graber concludes: “Strong friendships among both boys and girls provide a vital source of meaning and strength in coping with significant distress. The study shows that boys' friendships can be intimate, reliable, and supportive, even when they face social pressures.”