The single most influential factor in the development of adolescents is the family. Among family members parents, of course, play the most critical role. Adolescents whose adjustment to the process of maturation occurs in a healthy manner usually come from families where positive interaction is the norm. Conversely, negative behavior in teenagers can often be linked to family dysfunction. Research indicates that when a maladjusted adolescent leaves the family context and undergoes successful rehabilitation, a return to the home environment often triggers a re-occurence of behavioral problems. Thus the importance oftherapeutic intervention in the family context cannot be over stressed.
A review of the literature indicates that serious research continues in the area of adolescent-parental relationships and their effect on adolescent development. Gowers, Entwistle, Cooke, Okpalugo and Kenyon (1993) analyzed the referrals to a regional adolescent psychiatric hospital to determine the relationship between social and family factors and the receipt of in-patient treatment. The following social and family factors were examined: parenting arrangements, parental psychiatric history, sibling relationships, geographical distribution of referrals, social class, race/ethnicity, and social services involvement.
The study was based on an analysis of case notes presented over a two-year period. The sample size numbered 275 cases. Data from the cases were coded into numerical form for computer analysis.
The most important finding of the study was the clear association between marital breakdown and psychological disturbance in adolescents. Teenagers living with both natural parents were distinctly in the minority in this sample of psychiatric cases. The study's authors conclude: "Living with both parents certainly seems to protect against conduct problems and problem behaviors, though increasing less with greater organicity...