The Buffering Effect of Nonparental Adults on the Relationship between Parent-Adolescent Communication and Adolescent Risk Behavior

The current study tests the hypothesis that nonparental adults serve as a buffer for adolescents by examining the moderating role of nonparental adults in the relationship between parent-adolescent communication and adolescent risk behavior. Results confirm the buffering hypothesis; there is a significant relationship between parent–adolescent communication and adolescent engagement in risk behavior, but this relationship is weaker for adolescents who report strong relationships with nonparental adults. These findings inform social work practice with adolescents, families, and communities by suggesting the importance of encouraging the development of relationships between youth and nonparental adults. Implications for practitioners, policymakers, and future research are discussed.

当前的研究通过检验非父母成年人在亲子沟通和青少年风险行为之间关系中的调节作用，来验证非父母成年人对青少年起到缓冲作用这一假设。结果证实了缓冲假设；亲子沟通与青少年参与风险行为之间存在显著关系，但对于那些表示与非父母成年人关系密切的青少年来说，这种关系较弱。这些发现表明鼓励青少年与非父母成年人发展关系的重要性，从而为针对青少年、家庭和社区的社会工作实践提供了信息。还讨论了对从业者、政策制定者和未来研究的启示。