The relationship between family structure and process variables and adolescent decision making.

This study examined the relationship between family structural and process variables and adolescent participation in family decisions and vigilant decision making. Data were obtained from a survey sample of 585 adolescents aged 12-18 years living in Adelaide, South Australia. Adolescents from one-parent families participated in a greater number of family decisions than those from two-parent families. Adolescents from families adaptable in allocating roles and setting rules participated in more family decisions than those from low adaptable families. Family socio-economic status was significantly linked to the adolescent's self reported vigilance. High family cohesion, good parent-adolescent communication and sound parental conflict resolution skills were also significantly related to adolescents' vigilant decision making, testifying to the importance of family environment in the socialization of adolescents for decision making.