Worldwide, no less than forty percent of all girls suffer from anxiety complaints during adolescence and twenty percent suffer from symptoms of depression. The prevalence of these internalising problems increases explosively in girls in early adolescence. Friendships between girls are on the one hand an important source of support, but can also be a breeding ground for the development of internalising problems. The lectorate Prevention for Youth investigates the way in which the context of friendships between girls influences the development of internalising problems, and develops prevention programmes that can have a positive impact on the maladaptive dynamics present in those friendships.
LINK: https://www.rotterdamuas.com/research/projects-and-publications/urban-talent/social-inclusion2/happy-friends-positive-minds/project/#flex
