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Brigham Young University
This study will examine the extent to which the family may insulate adolescents from negative social influences and environments. For example, although recent research has shown that living in a poor neighborhood increases the likelihood of adolescent sexual behavior and delinquency, a reasonable question is whether strong families may serve to counteract these negative effects, or whether even solid family environments can become overwhelmed by external social conditions.
This research will use three national data sets and one regional data set to examine how a positive family environment may shield or insulate adolescents who are exposed to negative social contexts. In particular, it will examine the influence of family characteristics on academic achievement, drug use, sexual behavior, and delinquency across a broad range of school and community environments.