Unraveling the Impact of Peer Networks on Soft Skills: Insights from a High School Survey in Italy

Scholars highlight that peer interactions not only shape educational choices but also play a crucial role in developing social and personal competencies. A social network analysis approach offers valuable insights into how student relationships influence the acquisition of soft skills within the school environment. These skills—such as communication, collaboration, leadership, problem-solving, and emotional management—are increasingly recognized as essential for academic success and professional growth. Within this framework, this study examines the impact of peer relationships on individual soft skills across different types of social interactions. Primary data were collected during the 2024–2025 academic year through a survey conducted in high schools across the Campania region in Southern Italy. The study employed a proportional quota sampling method, selecting 28 out of 324 schools and involving approximately 1,500 final-year students. A whole-network design was implemented to capture various dimensions of social interactions, with students identifying up to five classmates in four relational categories: best friends, academic support, personal advice, and discussions about future aspirations. The questionnaire incorporated the validated 3SQ psychometric scale, which assesses ten dimensions (e.g., trust, empathy, leadership, openness, collaboration, and autonomy). To evaluate the impact of social relationships on soft skill development, network models were applied to analyze how different types of interactions contribute to shaping specific competencies. The findings offer deeper insights into the role of peer influence in fostering essential skills for students’ academic and personal growth.