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The impact of family and peer differentiation levels on adolescent psychosocial development and problematic behaviors

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Abstract

This study examined the impact of family differentiation and peer differentiation levels on adolescent problematic behaviors and psychosocial maturity. Differentiation levels were assessed dyadically in both the family and peer systems. Results revealed family differentiation to be the sole predictor of adolescent problematic behavior. Additional regression analysis indicated that peer differentiation was a significant predictor of psychosocial maturity, along with the significant impact of adolescent gender and age. Family X Peer interaction terms were not significant predictors of either adolescent personal adjustment variable. Results, whichdisplay both consistencies and variations with the findings of previous research, are discussed in terms of their clinical implications.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Marriage and Family Therapy Program, Department of Family Relations and Human Development, The Ohio State University, 315 Campbell Hall, 1787 Neil Avenue, 43210, Columbus, OH

    Stephen M. Gavazzi PhD (assistant professor)

  2. Department of Family Relations and Human Development, The Ohio State University, Ohio, USA

    Dawn E. Goettler MS (graduate associates), Scott P. Solomon MS (graduate associates) & Patrick C. McKenry PhD (professor)

  3. Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center, Ohio, USA

    Patrick C. McKenry PhD (professor)

  4. Department of Black Studies, The Ohio State University, Ohio, USA

    Patrick C. McKenry PhD (professor)

Authors
  1. Stephen M. Gavazzi PhD
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  2. Dawn E. Goettler MS
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  3. Scott P. Solomon MS
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  4. Patrick C. McKenry PhD
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Additional information

Salary and support provided in part by grants from The Kettering Fund (OSURF #727033) and by The Ohio State University (OSURF #221424 and OSURF #241501).

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Gavazzi, S.M., Goettler, D.E., Solomon, S.P. et al. The impact of family and peer differentiation levels on adolescent psychosocial development and problematic behaviors. Contemp Fam Ther 16, 431–448 (1994). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02197903

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