THE IMPACT OF FAMILY AND PEER DIFFERENTIATION LEVELS ON ADOLESCENT PSYCHOSOCIAL DEVELOPMENT AND PROBLEMATIC BEHAVIORS

This study examined the impact of family differentiation and peer differentiation levels on adolescent problematic behaviors and psychosocial maturity. Differentiation levels were assessed dyadically in both the family and peer systems. Results revealed family differentiation to be the sole predictor of adolescent problematic behavior. Additional regression analysis indicated that peer differentiation was a significant predictor of psychosocial maturity, along with the significant impact of adolescent gender and age. Family X Peer interaction terms were not significant predictors of either adolescent personal adjustment variable. Results, which display both consistencies and variations with the findings of previous research, are discussed in terms of their clinical implications.