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The Social Dimension of Stress: Experimental Manipulations of Social Support and Social Identity in the Trier Social Stress Test
Published on: November 19, 2015
Supportive non-parental adults and adolescent psychosocial functioning: using social support as a theoretical
Emma M Sterrett1, Deborah J Jones, Laura G McKee
1Department of Psychology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC 27599-3250, USA.
American Journal of Community Psychology
|March 9, 2011
Summary
Supportive non-parental adults (SNPAs) offer crucial social support to adolescents. This review integrates research on SNPAs and adolescent psychosocial adjustment, providing a framework for future studies.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Psychology
- Adolescent Health
- Social Support Systems
Background:
- Supportive Non-Parental Adults (SNPAs) are prevalent in adolescents' lives.
- Existing literature on SNPAs is fragmented across various adult roles (e.g., teachers, mentors, family).
- A unifying framework is needed to organize research on SNPAs and adolescent psychosocial outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To integrate existing research on the association between SNPAs and adolescent psychosocial adjustment.
- To provide a framework for understanding the role of diverse SNPAs in adolescent development.
- To inform future research directions concerning SNPAs and adolescent well-being.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature review and integration of studies on SNPAs.
- Analysis of associations between SNPAs and adolescent academic functioning.
- Examination of links between SNPAs and adolescent self-esteem, behavioral problems, and emotional problems.
Main Results:
- SNPAs are positively associated with improved academic functioning in adolescents.
- Support from SNPAs correlates with higher adolescent self-esteem.
- SNPAs demonstrate protective effects against adolescent behavioral and emotional problems.
Conclusions:
- SNPAs play a significant role in promoting positive adolescent psychosocial adjustment.
- An integrated framework clarifies the impact of various SNPAs on adolescent well-being.
- Findings have implications for healthcare, education, and community professionals supporting adolescents.
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