Protective and Promotive Factors for Healthy Peer Relationships Among Adolescents: A Systematic Review

Poor peer relationships have been identified as a primary risk factor for intimate partner violence (IPV). As part of the PROTECT-IPV Project, this systematic review was conducted to understand the protective factors against poor peer relationships in adolescence. A total of 1,365 articles published between 2004 and 2024 were identified from a search in 10 databases. Studies were included if they were empirical, discussed a promotive factor related to peer relationships among adolescents, and were published in English. The final synthesis included 38 studies. Peer relationships were assessed via friendship quality/closeness, bullying and/or violence perpetration or victimization, and involvement with deviant peers. Protective factors were observed across multiple domains: individual (e.g., self-esteem, resilience), peer (e.g., support, trust), family (e.g., parental warmth, communication), school (e.g., student-teacher relationships, school climate), and technology (e.g., messaging with friends). The role of some protective factors differed based on identity (race, gender), but the presence of minoritized identities was limited within the included studies. Clinical interventions centered on developing internal strengths, increasing trust and empathy within peer support, and building supportive school and community environments may be important opportunities to promote positive peer relationships and, in turn, promote healthier relationships in adulthood.