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Social support in healthy adolescents

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Abstract

Social support is examined in a representative sample of 141 healthy adolescents. By means of a revised version of the Mannheim Interview on Social Support, the number, type, perceived adequacy (satisfaction), and quality (importance) of the social relationships available were assessed. While peers were found to provide prime supportive functions in day-to-day matters, the social support provided by parents has a stress-buffering effect in emergency situations. The role of other family members is discussed. Differences in gender and education are moderate. The data suggests the adequacy of social support and social integration, contrary to the traditional view of adolescence as a time of crisis and conflict.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pediatrics at the University of Berne, Inselspital, 3010, Bern, Switzerland

    Conrad U. Frey (Head of the Psychosomatic Unit) & Christoph Röthlisberger

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  1. Conrad U. Frey
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  2. Christoph Röthlisberger
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Additional information

This study was supported by the Swiss National Foundation (Grant Number 32.26367.89).

Received M.D. from University of Berne. Has conducted research on chronic illness (cystic fibrosis), minimal brain dysfunction, and suicide prevention in children.

Received Ph.D. from University of Berne. Has done research on coping in cancer and cystic fibrosis.

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Frey, C.U., Röthlisberger, C. Social support in healthy adolescents. J Youth Adolescence 25, 17–31 (1996). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01537378

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