Parent-adolescent interaction and psycho-social risk in adolescent: An analysis of communication, support and gender.

The main purpose of this study is to verify the correlation between family functioning and the presence of psycho-social risk in adolescents. The sample of 279 intact families with a late adolescent and their parents completed self-report instruments in order to evaluate support and communication in parent-adolescent relationships. An index of risk was constructed with the MAUT technique. Data analysis was conducted on individual and relational dyadic levels. It was found that (a), a supportive relationship and adequate communication between parents and adolescents are correlated to the absence or presence of psycho-social risk and (b), the father in this phase of life is a reliable source of information regarding his relationship with his children and their psycho-social adjustment.