Adolescent Coping Style as a Function of Perceived Family Climate

The study compares adolescent coping styles across different perceived family climates. Analyses indicated that the perception of family cohesion and organization, combined with respect for individual development, were related to a higher level of functional coping in the adolescent. A sense of lack of family support, or a sense of an over-controlling family climate, was related to a higher level of dysfunctional coping. Adolescent perception of family climate was found to be related to the nature of the task or situation the adolescent encounters. Findings are discussed in terms of the interface between adolescent development and perception of family processes.