Parent-adolescent interactions and psychosocial risk in adolescents: an analysis of communication, support and gender

The main purpose of this study was to verify the correlation between family functioning and the presence of psychosocial risk in adolescents. The sample of 279 intact families with a late adolescent and their parents complete self-report instruments in order to evaluate support and communication in parent-adolescent relationships. An index of risk was constructed with the MAUT technique. Data analysis was conducted on individual and relational dyadic levels. It was found that: (a) a supportive relationship and adequate communication between parents and adolescents are correlated to the absence or presence of psychosocial risk; and (b) the father in this phase of life is a reliable source of information regarding his relationship with his children and their psychosocial adjustment.