Skip to main content

The Mutual Influence of Family Support and Youth Adaptation

  • Chapter
Handbook of Social Support and the Family

Part of the book series: The Springer Series on Stress and Coping ((SSSO))

Abstract

Research on the family environment has demonstrated that levels of family support bear strong relationships to the adaptation of children and adolescents. The purpose of this chapter is to examine the mutual influence of family support and youth adaptation and to suggest mechanisms that may explain why these reciprocal relations occur. We begin the chapter by describing the concept and measurement of the family environment. Next, we present a conceptual model of the mutual influence of the family environment and family members’ adaptation and review studies of family support and youth functioning. We then focus on possible mechanisms by which family support and youth adaptation exert their mutual influence. We conclude by suggesting directions for future research.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 169.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 219.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 219.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Preview

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

References

  • Alessandri, S. M., & Wozniak, R. H. (1989) Perception of the family environment and intrafamilial agreement in belief concerning the adolescent. Journal of Early Adolescence, 9, 67–81.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Andrews, J. A., Hops, H., Ary, D., Lichtenstein, E., & Tildesley, E. (1991) The construction, validation, and use of a Guttman scale of adolescent substance use: An investigation of family relationships. Journal of Drug Issues, 21, 557–572.

    Google Scholar 

  • Asarnow, J. R., & Carlson, G. A. (1988) Suicide attempts in preadolescent child psychiatry inpatients. Suicide and Life Threatening Behavior, 18, 129–136.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Asarnow, J. R., Carlson, G. A., & Guthrie, D. (1987) Coping strategies, self-perceptions, hopelessness, and perceived family environments in depressed and suicidal children. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 55, 361–366.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Baer, P. E., Garmezy, L. B., McLaughlin, R. J., Pokorny, A. D., & Wernick, M. J. (1987) Stress, coping, family conflict, and adolescent alcohol use. Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 10, 449–466.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Barrera, M., & Garrison-Jones, C. (1992) Family and peer social support as specific correlates of adolescent depressive symptoms. Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology, 20, 1–16.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Billings, A., & Moos, R. H. (1983) Comparisons of children of depressed and nondepressed parents: A social-environmental perspective. Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology, 11, 463–485.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Billings, A., & Moos, R. (1986) Children of parents with unipolar depression: A controlled 1-year follow-up. Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology, 14, 149–166.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Bristol, M. (1984). Family resources and successful adaptation to autistic children. In E. Schopler & G. Mesibov (Eds.), The effects of autism on the family (pp. 289–310). New York: Plenum Press.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Bristol, M. (1987) Mothers of children with autism or communication disorders: Successful adaptation and the double ABCX model. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 17, 469–486.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Campbell, N. B., Milling, L., Laughlin, A., & Bush, E. (1993) The psychosocial climate of families with suicidal pre-adolescent children. American Journal of Orthopsychiatry, 63, 142–145.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Casey, J., Griffin, M., & Googins, B. (1993) The role of work for wives of alcoholics. American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse, 19, 119–131.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Clair, D. J., & Genest, M. (1987) Variables associated with the adjustment of offspring of alcoholic fathers. Journal of Studies on Alcohol, 48, 345–355.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Clair, D. J., & Genest, M. (1992) The Children of Alcoholics Screening Test: Reliability and relationship to family environment, adjustment, and alcohol-related Stressors of adolescent offspring of alcoholics. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 48, 414–420.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Conrad, M., & Hammen, C. (1989) Role of maternal depression in perceptions of child maladjustment. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 57, 663–667.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Corse, S. J., Schmid, K., & Trickett, P. K. (1990) Social network characteristics of mothers in abusing and nonabusing families and their relationships to parenting beliefs. Journal of Community Psychology, 18, 44–59.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Daniels, D., & Moos, R. H. (1988) Exosystem influences on family and child functioning. Journal of Social Behavior and Personality, 3, 113–133.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dinning, W. D., & Berk, L. A. (1989) The Children of Alcoholics Screening Test: Relationship to sex, family environment, and social adjustment in adolescents. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 45, 335–339.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Dixon, M. A. (1986) Families of adolescent clients and nonclients: Their environments and helpseeking behaviors. Advances in Nursing Science, 8, 75–88.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Downey, G., & Coyne, J. C. (1990) Children of depressed parents: An integrative review. Psychological Bulletin, 108, 50–76.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Ebata, A. T., & Moos, R. H. (1991) Coping and adjustment in distressed and healthy adolescents. Journal of Applied Developmental Psychology, 12, 33–54.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Feldman, S. S., Wentzel, K. R., Weinberger, D. A., & Munson, J. A. (1990) Marital satisfaction of parents of preadolescent boys and its relationship to family and child functioning. Journal of Family Psychology, 4, 213–234.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fiese, B. H., & Kline, C. A. (1993) Development of the Family Ritual Questionnaire: Initial reliability and validation studies. Journal of Family Psychology, 6, 290–299.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fife, B., Norton, J., & Groom, G. (1987) The family’s adaptation to childhood leukemia. Social Science and Medicine, 24, 159–168.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Filstead, W., McElfresh, O., & Anderson, C. (1981) Comparing the family environments of alcoholic and “normal” families. Journal of Alcohol and Drug Education, 26, 24–31.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fox, R., Rotatori, A., Macklin, F., Green, H., & Fox, T (1983) Socially maladjusted adolescents’ perception of their families. Psychological Reports, 52, 831–834.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Friedman, A. S., Tomko, L. A., & Utada, A. (1991) Client and family characteristics that predict better family therapy outcome for adolescent drug abusers. Family Dynamics of Addiction Quarterly, 1, 77–93.

    Google Scholar 

  • Friedman, A. S., & Utada, A. (1992) The family environments of adolescent drug abusers. Family Dynamics of Addiction Quarterly, 2, 32–45.

    Google Scholar 

  • Friedman, S. (1990) Assessing the marital environment of agoraphobics. Journal of Anxiety Disorders, 4, 335–340.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Friedrich, W. N., Cohen, D. S., & Wilturner, L. S. (1987) Family relations and marital quality when a mentally handicapped child is present. Psychological Reports, 61, 911–919.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Friedrich, W. N., Reams, R., & Jacobs, J. H. (1982) Depression and suicidal ideation in early adolescence. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 11, 403–407.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Grych, J. H., Seid, M., & Fincham, F. (1992) Assessing marital conflict from the child’s perspective: The Children’s Perception of Interparental Conflict Scale. Child Development, 63, 558–572.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Halverson, C. F., & Wampler, K. S. (1993). The mutual influence of child externalizing behavior and family functioning: The impact of a mild congenital risk factor. In R. E. Cole & D. Reiss (Eds.), How do families cope with chronic illness? (pp. 71–93), Hillsdale, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hauser, S. T., Jacobson, A. M., Lavori, P., Wolfsdorf, J. I., Herskowitz, R. D., Milley, J. E., Bliss, R., Wertlieb, D., & Stein, J. (1990) Adherence among children and adolescents with insulindependent diabetes mellitus over a four-year longitudinal follow-up: Immediate and long-term linkages with the family milieu. Journal of Pediatric Psychology, 15, 527–542.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Head, S. B., Baker, J. D., & Williamson, D. A. (1991) Family environment characteristics and dependent personality disorder. Journal of Personality Disorders, 5, 256–263.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hetherington, E. M. (1991). The role of individual differences and family relationships in children’s coping with divorce and remarriage. In P. A. Cowan & M. Hetherington (Eds.), Family transitions (pp. 165–194). Hillsdale, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hibbs, E. D., Hamburger, S. D., Kruesi, M. J. P., & Lenane, M. (1993) Factors affecting expressed emotion in parents of ill and normal children. American Journal of Orthopsychiatry, 63, 103–112.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Jacob, T., & Leonard, K. (1994). Family and peer influences in the development of adolescent alcohol abuse. In R. Zucker, G. Boyd, & J. Howard (Eds.), The development of alcohol problems: Exploring the biopsychosocial matrix of risk. Washington, DC: NIAAA.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jarmas, A. L., & Kazak, A. E. (1992) Young adult children of alcoholic fathers: Depressive experiences, coping styles, and family systems. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 60, 244–251.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Jaycox, L. H., & Repetti, R. L. (1993) Conflict in families and the psychological adjustment of preadolescent children. Journal of Family Psychology, 7, 344–355.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jenkins, J. (1992). Sibling relationships in disharmonious homes: Potential difficulties and protective effects. In F. Boer & J. Dunn (Eds.), Children’s sibling relationships: Developmental and clinical issues (pp. 125–138). Hillsdale, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jensen, E. W., James, S. A., Boyce, W. T, & Hartnett, S. A. (1983) The Family Routines Inventory: Development and validation. Social Science and Medicine, 17, 201–211.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Riser, L. J., Nunn, W. B., Millsap, P. A., Heston, J. D., McDonald, J. C., Trapp, C. A., & Pruitt, D. B. (1988) Child and adolescent day treatment: Population profile. International Journal of Partial Hospitalization, 5, 287–305.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lakey, B., & Cassady, P. B. (1990) Cognitive processes in perceived social support. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 59, 337–343.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lakey, B., & Heller, K. (1988) Social support from a friend, perceived support, and social problem solving. American Journal of Community Psychology, 16, 811–824.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • LeFlore, L. (1988) Delinquent youths and family. Adolescence, 23, 629–642.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Liem, R., & Liem, J. H. (1988) Psychological effects of unemployment on workers and their families. Journal of Social Issues, 44, 87–105.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Maccoby, E. E., & Martin, J. A. (1983). Socialization in the context of the family: Parent-child interaction. In E. M. Hetherington (Ed.), Handbook of child psychology, Vol. 4, Socialization: Personality and sodai development (pp. 1–102). New York: Wiley.

    Google Scholar 

  • Martin, B. (1987). Developmental perspectives on family theory and psychopathology. In T. Jacob (Ed.), Family interaction and psychopathology (pp. 163–202). New York: Plenum Press.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • McGee, R., Silva, P. A., & Williams, S. (1983) Parents’ and teachers’ perceptions of behavior problems in seven year old children. The Exceptional Child, 30, 151–161.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • McGee, R., Silva, P. A., & Williams, S. (1984) Perinatal neurological, environmental, and developmental characteristics of seven-year-old children with stable behaviour problems. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 25, 573–586.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • McGee, R., Williams, S., & Silva, P. A. (1984) Background characteristics of aggressive, hyperactive, and aggressive/hyperactive boys. Journal of the American Academy of Child Psychiatry, 23, 280–284.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • McGee, R., Williams, S., & Silva, P. A. (1985) Factor structure and correlates of ratings of inattention, hyperactivity, and antisocial behavior in a large sample of nine-year-old children from the general population. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 53, 480–490.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Meneese, W. B., & Yutrzenka, B. A. (1990) Correlates of suicidal ideation among rural adolescents. Suicide and Life Threatening Behavior, 20, 206–212.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Mink, I. T., & Nihira, K. (1987) Direction of effects: Family life styles and behavior of TMR children. American Journal of Mental Deficiency, 92, 57–64.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Moos, R., & Billings, A. (1982) Children of alcoholics during the recovery process: Alcoholic and matched control families. Addictive Behaviors, 7, 155–163.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Moos, R. H., & Moos, B. S. (1994). Family Environment Scale manual. Palo Alto, CA: Consulting Psychologists Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Morris, P. W., Home, A. M., Jessell, J. C., Passmore, J. L., Walker, J. M., & Sayger, T. V. (1988) Behavioral and cognitive characteristics of fathers of aggressive and well-behaved boys. Journal of Cognitive Psychotherapy: An International Quarterly, 2, 251–265.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nihira, K., Meyers, C. E., & Mink, I. T. (1983) Reciprocal relationship between home environment and development of TMR adolescents. American Journal of Mental Deficiency, 88, 139–149.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Nihira, K., Mink, I. T., & Meyers, C. E. (1985) Home environment and development of slow learning adolescents: Reciprocal relations. Developmental Psychology, 21, 784–794.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Olson, D. H. (1991) Three-dimensional (3-D) circumplex model and revised scoring of FACES III. Family Process, 30, 74–79.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Olson, D. H., McCubbin, H. I., Barnes, H., Larsen, A., Muxen, M., & Wilson, M. (1982). Family inventories: Inventories used in a national survey of families across the family life cycle. St. Paul, MN: Family Social Science.

    Google Scholar 

  • Olson, D. H., Sprenkle, D. H., & Russell, C. S. (1979) Circumplex model of marital and family systems. I. Cohesion and adaptability dimensions, family types, and clinical applications. Family Process, 18, 3–28.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Oxenford, C., & Nowicki, S. (1982) Perceived family climate of students deciding to pursue counseling. Journal of American College Health, 30, 224–226.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Petersen-Kelley, A. (1985) Family environment and Alateens: A note on alcohol abuse potential. Journal of Community Psychology, 13, 75–76.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sarason, B. R., Shearin, E. N., Pierce, G. R., & Sarason, I. G. (1987) Interrelations of social support measures: Theoretical and practical implications. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 52, 813–832.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sarason, I. G., Sarason, B. R., & Shearin, E. N. (1986) Social support as an individual difference variable: Its stability, origins, and relational aspects. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 5, 845–855.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Scalf-Mclver, L., & Thompson, K. (1989) Family correlates of bulimic characteristics in college females. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 45, 467–472.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Schaefer, M. T., & Olson, D. H. (1980) Assessing intimacy: The PAIR inventory. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, 7, 47–60.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Schneewind, K. A. (1987). Die Familienklimaskaien. In M. Cierpka (Ed.), Familiendiagnostik (pp. 320–342). Heidelberg: Springer.

    Google Scholar 

  • Schneewind, K., Beckman, M., & Engfer, A. (1983). Eltern und Kinder: UmwelteinflĂĽsse auf das familiäre Verhalten. Stuttgart, Federal Republic of Germany: Kohlhammer.

    Google Scholar 

  • Scoresby, A. L., & Christensen, B. (1976) Differences in interaction and environmental conditions of clinic and non-clinic families: Implications for counselors. Journal of Marriage and Family Counseling, 2, 63–71.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Silbereisen, R. K., & Walper, S. (1988). A person-process-context approach. In M. Rutter (Ed.), Studies of psychosocial risk: The power of longitudinal data (pp. 96–113). New York: Cambridge University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Smith, P. D., Rivers, P. C., & Stahl, K.J. (1992) Family cohesion and conflict as predictors of drinking patterns: Beyond demographics and alcohol expectancies. Family Dynamics of Addiction Quarterly, 2, 61–69.

    Google Scholar 

  • Stern, M., & Zevon, M. A. (1990) Stress, coping, and family environment: The adolescent’s response to naturally occurring Stressors. Journal of Adolescent Research, 5, 290–305.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Stewart, M. A., & Brown, S. A. (1993) Family functioning following adolescent substance abuse treatment. Journal of Substance Abuse, 5, 327–339.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Tarter, R. E., Kabene, M., Escallier, E. A., Laird, S. B., & Jacob, T. (1990) Temperament deviation and risk for alcoholism. Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research, 14, 380–382.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Thompson, K. L., Varni, J. W., & Hanson, V. (1987) Comprehensive assessment of pain in juvenile rheumatoid arthritis: An empirical model. Journal of Pediatric Psychology, 12, 241–255.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Timko, C., Baumgartner, M., Moos, R. H., & Miller, J. J. (1993) Parental risk and resistance factors among children with juvenile rheumatic disease: A four-year predictive study. Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 16, 571–588.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Timko, C., Stovel, K., Baumgartner, M., & Moos, R. H. (1995) Acute and chronic Stressors, social resources, and functioning among adolescents with juvenile rheumatic disease. Journal of Research on Adolescence, 5, 361–385.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Timko, C., Stovel, K, & Moos, R. H. (1992) Functioning among mothers and fathers of children with juvenile rheumatic disease: A longitudinal study. Journal of Pediatric Psychology, 17, 705–724.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Timko, C., Stovel, K, Moos, R. H., & Miller, J. J. (1992a) Adaptation to juvenile rheumatic disease: A controlled evaluation of functional disability with a one-year follow-up. Health Psychology, 11, 67–76.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Timko, C., Stovel, K, Moos, R. H., & Miller, J. J. (1992b) A longitudinal study of risk and resistance factors among children with juvenile rheumatic disease. Journal of Clinical Child Psychology, 21, 132–142.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tolan, P. H., & Lorion, R. P. (1988) Multivariate approaches to the identification of delinquency proneness in adolescent males. American Journal of Community Psychology, 16, 547–561.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Tyerman, A., & Humphrey, M. (1981) Dimensions of the family environment in adolescence. Journal of Adolescence, 4, 353–361.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Valentiner, D. P., Holahan, C. J., & Moos, R. H. (1994) Social support, appraisals of event controllability, and coping: An integrative model. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 66, 1094–1102.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Varni, J. W., Babani, L., Wallander, J. L., Roe, T, & Frasier, D. (1989) Social support and self-esteem effects on psychological adjustment in children and adolescents with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. Child and Family Behavior Therapy, 11, 1–17.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Varni, J. W., Wilcox, K. T, & Hanson, V. (1988) Mediating effects of family social support on child psychological adjustment in juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. Health Psychology, 7, 421–431.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Varni, J. W., Wilcox, K. T, Hanson, V, & Brik, R. (1988) Chronic musculoskeletal pain and functional status in juvenile rheumatoid arthritis: An empirical model. Pain, 32, 1–7.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Waring, E. M., McElrath, D., Lefcoe, D., & Weisz, G. (1981) Dimensions of intimacy in marriage. Psychiatry, 44, 169–175.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Williams, S. M., Anderson, J., McGee, R., & Silva, P. A. (1990) Risk factors for behavioral and emotional disorder in preadolescent children. Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 29, 413–419.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Wolin, S. J., Bennett, L. A., & Noonan, D. L. (1979) Family rituals and the recurrence of alcoholism over generations. American Journal of Psychiatry, 136, 589–593.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Wolin, S. J., Bennett, L. A., Noonan, D. L., & Teitelbaum, M. A. (1980) Disrupted family rituals: A factor in the intergenerational transmission of alcoholism. Journal of Studies on Alcohol, 41, 199–214.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 1996 Springer Science+Business Media New York

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Timko, C., Moos, R.H. (1996). The Mutual Influence of Family Support and Youth Adaptation. In: Pierce, G.R., Sarason, B.R., Sarason, I.G. (eds) Handbook of Social Support and the Family. The Springer Series on Stress and Coping. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4899-1388-3_13

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4899-1388-3_13

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Boston, MA

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4899-1390-6

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4899-1388-3

  • eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

Publish with us

Policies and ethics