The role of family stressors and parent relationships on adolescent functioning

This study examined the association between cumulative family stressors (divorce, interparental conflict, maternal depression) and adolescent functioning as well as the protective role of the parent-adolescent relationship as perceived by the adolescent when family stressors are present. Two hundred and thirty-one adolescents, their mothers, and their social studies teachers served as the subjects. Results indicated that, as family stressors increased, adolescent functioning deteriorated. Furthermore, a positive parent-adolescent relationship as perceived by the adolescent was associated with less deterioration in all areas of functioning. The role of the relationship in protecting the adolescent supported both a stress buffering model and a main effect model.