Reciprocal development of parent-adolescent support and adolescent problem behaviors

Human development takes place in the context of relationships with others.These relationships are thought to influence individuals’ behavior and developmental course (Reis, Collins, & Berscheid, 2000). Parent–child relationshipsare among the most important and central of human relationships, especiallyduring the period of childhood and adolescence. Parents are an importantsource of support, although the relative impact of parental support may changeover the life course. Perceived parental support concerns the perception ofparents as available for support when needed. In the current chapter we willexamine how parental support is related to adolescent adjustment over time