engleski

The relation of peer acceptance and parental support to adolescent life satisfaction, self-esteem and substance abuse

The aim of this study was to examine the role of parental support and peer acceptance in adolescent psychosocial adjustment and self-regulation problems. The sample included 2592 high school students from two-parent families. The participants completed questionnaire that measured variables including parental support, life satisfaction, self-reported cigarette, alcohol and drug abuse and involvement with peers who use substances. Global self-worth and social acceptance were assessed by Harter’ s Self-Perception Profile for Adolescents. The results showed that the quality of the relationship between parents and adolescents had positive effects on their self-esteem, life satisfaction and resistance to peer pressure while inadequate support from parents was related to adolescent substance abuse and involvement with friends who use substances. Adolescents who felt socially accepted by their peers were more satisfied with their life and had higher self-esteem but they were also more frequently involved in substance abuse and had more friends who were substance users. A series of hierarchical multiple regression analyses was conducted with peer acceptance, parental support and their interaction as predictors and life satisfaction, self-esteem, substance abuse and involvement with peers who use substances as criterion variables. Significant interactions effects of parental support and peer acceptance on negative developmental outcomes were found which indicated that adolescents who felt inadequate parental support and higher peer acceptance were more involved in various risk behaviours. Results are discussed in accordance with theoretical models that point out to joint influence of parents and peers in adolescent psychosocial development.

risk behaviours; life satisfaction; self-esteem; social support; adolescents

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