Family Differentiation, Peer Differentiation, and Adolescent Adjustment in a Clinical Sample

Abstract

This is a study of the relationships among family system dynamics, peer network characteristics and adolescent personal adjustment. Specific characteristics of both the family system and the peer network are thought to have a significant impact on the adolescent's ability to master certain developmental tasks and therefore contribute to the adolescent's ongoing growth and development. Apart from the separate influences of these factors, the study attempts to explore the combined influence offamily system and peer network characteristics through the use of interaction terms. Results indicate that adolescents 'psychosocial maturity levels are significantly predicted by both family support and peer conformity pressure, as well as the interaction term of Family Support x Peer Support. The results also indicate that severity levels of adolescents 'problematic behaviors are significantly predicted by family support and parental intrusiveness, as well as the interaction term of Parental Intrusiveness x Peer Support.