Adolescent predictors of satisfaction with social support six years later: An Australian longitudinal study. (October 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Winefield, Helen R.; Delfabbro, Paul H.; Winefield, Anthony H.; Plueckhahn, Tania; Malvaso, Catia G.
• Is Part Of: Journal of adolescence. Volume 44(2015:Oct.)
• Page Start: 70
• Page End: 76
• Publication Date: 2015-10
• Subjects: Social supports -- Mental health -- Adolescents -- Family relations; Adolescent psychiatry -- Periodicals; Adolescent psychology -- Periodicals; Adolescence -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 305.23505
• DOI: 10.1016/j.adolescence.2015.07.004
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0140-1971

Abstract

Abstract: The importance of socially supportive relationships in assisting people to cope with stress and adverse events is well recognised, but the trajectories whereby individuals develop the capacity to attract those supports have been infrequently studied. Taking advantage of a substantial longitudinal data set, we aimed to explore the precursors during mid-adolescence, of satisfaction with social supports in young adulthood. Both personality factors (extraversion, neuroticism) and adolescent experiences of high-quality interpersonal relationships with parents and peers were hypothesised to predict subsequent satisfactory supports; we wished to compare the influence of these factors. Participants in a study of the school to work transition (N = 558) provided psychosocial information at 16–17 years of age and then again six years later at 23, using paper and online questionnaires and standardised measures. Personality and family climate variables both predicted adult social support, with family cohesiveness and neuroticism having the largest roles. The possible implications for mental health promotion are discussed.