Behaviour problems and relationships with family and peers during adolescence

This study examines the relationship between (a) characteristics of adolescents' social networks, personal resources, and environmental risks; and (b) adolescents' behaviour problems. A socio-ecological perspective was used to determine whether social support and perceived conflict operate as risk or protective factors. Three samples of adolescents were studied: 63 adolescents in residential care; 29 in day treatment; and 63 who had had no contact with professional care. Interrelations were explored by means of structural equation modelling. Social support in family and peer group may operate as a risk factor or a protective factor depending on other risk factors in these subsystems. Perceived conflict is related to behaviour problems, although the influence differs depending on environmental risk factors and the type of behaviour problems.