Late adolescents in transition: The influence of support on post-transition adjustment

Jennifer Yeldell Santos, Florida International University

Abstract

Points of transition, when major life roles undergo change, tend to be associated with an increased need for social support. The transition from adolescence to adulthood is ideal for the examination of the effect of normative stress on the development and functioning of social networks. A questionnaire was designed based on the convoy model to assess the influence of personal and situational characteristics on the utilization of support in the prediction of post-transition adjustment. Data were initially collected for a multi-ethnic sample of 741 sophomores and seniors in high school. Surveys were mailed to participants two years later, and one again the following year. The current study is based on data for 310 participants with complete data for all three time periods. A series of hierarchical regressions were conducted to compare three explanatory models of support: main effect, mediation, and moderation. A main effect model of support on post-transition adjustment was confirmed, a mediator model was not confirmed, and a moderator model was marginally confirmed. Family and friend support was related to significantly lower levels of loneliness, particularly for those with less adaptable temperaments.

Subject Area

Developmental psychology

Recommended Citation

Santos, Jennifer Yeldell, "Late adolescents in transition: The influence of support on post-transition adjustment" (2000). ProQuest ETD Collection for FIU. AAI9991053.
https://digitalcommons.fiu.edu/dissertations/AAI9991053

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