Which of the following social behaviors typically appears first in early adolescence?

During early adolescence, one of the prominent social behaviors that emerges is the formation of small groups of peers who share similarities in family backgrounds, attitudes, and values. This is a crucial developmental stage where individuals begin to explore their social identities.

At this age, adolescents often seek out relationships within familiar contexts, gravitating toward peers who reflect their own experiences and backgrounds. This influences their social networks, as they build connections based on shared understandings and values, which can provide a sense of belonging and support during a time of significant personal change.

The other options represent important social behaviors that develop in later stages of adolescence. For example, the understanding of friendships as mutual relationships based on trust tends to mature further into adolescence, as do more complex understandings of gender stereotypes and organized peer relations that factor in differences beyond just immediate proximity. These aspects emerge as adolescents develop deeper cognitive skills and emotional intelligence, but the initial peer group formation typically stems from a more foundational level of similarity and shared experience.