The structure of the family is important because it provides special characteristics needed for adolescent development into adulthood. Currently in society there is not a good fit between adolescents and environmental factors that influence them. Particularly, with the new trend of family diversity, for example single parent households. “A concern related to this diversity is that increasing numb

er of young people, especially adolescents; end up in family arrangements with fewer adults to provide guidance, modeling, and support.” (Larsen, Wilson, Brown, Furstenberg, & Verma, 2002) This supports the idea that adolescents need positive reinforcement and role models to guide them especially during a time when they are unsure about their social status. When adolescents are not getting the support and the guidance that is necessary, this transition may not occur with the best outcomes, resulting in a poor fit for the adolescent.

Families play a vital role in adolescent preparation and development into adulthood. “They are the most important institution in peoples interpersonal lives, yet they have been changing dramatically in ways that affect adolescent interpersonal experiences and what will be required as an adult.” (Larsen, Wilson, Brown, Furstenberg, & Verma, 2002) Changes affecting the mismatch between adolescents’ preparations and the demands of adulthood are evident due to the disruption of the family structure. A marriage, divorce, or dying of a spouse can effect an adolescents experiences and alter the family role in the transition of adolescents into adulthood. “Children of divorce tend to experience more psychological, social, and academic difficulties then their peers raised in households with two biological parents.” (Yongmin, 2001) When an adolescent is raised in a house with one parent there is often more stress on the whole family. Unfortunately, the adolescent may not be getting the needed attention during this difficult time of their life. This lack of attention may be one of the main causes for the psycholog

Some topics in this essay:
Furstenberg Verma, , Ngai-ying Lau, Brendgen Vitaro, Garnier Stein, fit adolescents, adolescents lives, psychological social, furstenberg verma 2002, Wilson Brown, brown furstenberg verma, Larsen Wilson, Brown Furstenberg, ngai-ying lau 1993, furstenberg verma, larsen wilson, wilson brown, transition adulthood, adolescents environments, larsen wilson brown, ngai-ying lau, verma 2002, wilson brown furstenberg,