The effect of adolescent- and parent-induced family transitions in middle adolescence

Abstract

In a longitudinal school-based survey of Finnish adolescents aged 15–16 years at baseline, we examined associations of parent-induced family transitions (parental separation, divorce, remarriage) and adolescent-induced family transitions (moving away from the parental home) with adolescent maladjustment (substance abuse and internalizing symptoms). The findings revealed that externalizing problems were associated with moving away from the parental home, whereas the risk of internalizing problems was associated with a change in the caretaking parent through parental marital transition or being taken into custody.

• Adolescence
• Family transitions
• Life events

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.