Friendships reach their peak of functional significance during:

A) adolescence.
B) emerging adulthood.
C) middle adulthood.
D) late adulthood.

Friendships are particularly important during emerging adulthood, a time when individuals are exploring and establishing their identities, developing close relationships, and making life decisions. During this period, friends often provide emotional support, companionship, and guidance. It is also during this time that individuals tend to have the largest and most diverse social networks.