 
Psychologist's View - Close Encounters
They've been in the House for four days, so how are the relationships holding up...?
According to Teen Big Brother psychiatrist Dr Gareth Smith, "psychological
studies have shown that when strangers live in close proximity, they
form friendships that fall into four distinct categories."
He says: "Male friendships are based around camaraderie or
in humour, whilst female friendships are more emotionally reliant.
Opposite sex friendships are either sibling-like or flirtatious."
So what about the relationships in the House?
According to Dr Gareth, Tommy and Hasan have grown close and are
showing "typical male bonding behaviour." They also team
up well as they share a similar sense of humour.
"Caroline and Shaneen have also bonded well," he says,
"they comfort each other… and find it easy to relax together."
Paul and Jade's relationship is akin to brother and sister, says
Dr Gareth, "They argue one minute and make up the next."
Their sibling-like relationship is also demonstrated by the fact
they are very tactile and mirror each other's behaviour.
"Tommy and Tracey's relationship seems based around a degree
of flirtation," according to Dr Gareth. They "mock fight"
which gives them an excuse to touch each other - and disguises their
flirtation.
The psychiatrist concludes, "The housemates have shown that
by forming strong bonds of friendship, even the most stressful situations
in the teen Big Brother house can be overcome."
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