Social Distance of Adolescents from Peers, Siblings, Parents, and Other Adults

The basic purpose of this study was to contribute to a greater understanding and the better relationships between parents and their adolescent sons and daughters. The objectives were: To determine the social distance and relationship between the adolescent and people around him – parents, siblings, peers, various other adults, and other relatives. To determine to whom the adolescent goes for help in a variety of problem situations. Is there a difference in the tendencies of girls and boys in this respect. To determine reasons for their choices. Why don’t they ask parents? Why don’t they ask anyone? To determine which of the listed problem areas caused the most concern. A series of three forms was used to collect data to accomplish the objectives. The first two were administered in a group situation. The last was filled in by the author in an individual interview situation at a later date. Form 1. To designate the relatives and friends in the environmental circle of the adolescent and to rate each as to social distance; Form 2. To name the person the adolescent would turn to for help in each selected problem area; Form 3. To answer the question, “Why did you ask this person?” in regard to each specific problem and to designate the two problems of most concern to the adolescent during his high school years. The students who took part in this study were all seniors in the public high school in Burlington, New Jersey. They were members of the family living classes taught by the author of this study. Family living is an elective subject open to seniors and is a full year course. Boys and girls were both represented in this study. The ages of the students ranged from 16 to 20 years of age with the majority falling between 17 ½ and 18 years of age. Advisor: Kenneth L. Canno