Adolescents' influence and co-operation in family decision-making

Over 900 families provided data concerning the decision-making process involved in selecting a secondary school. For adolescents and parents there were no grade level or sex differences in adolescent influence and co-operation. A cluster analysis based on the adolescents' self and parental influence resulted in three clusters: democratic, coalitions, and where one person is the most influential. The clusters differed in absolute ratings of both influence and co-operation. Family context in terms of decision-making style is more important than age or sex in determining the influence and co-operation of young adolescents.