Living at home or in institution: adolescents' optimal experience and life theme building

Abstract

RESUMO:A influência das relações familiares no comportamento e desenvolvimento de adolescentes tem sido amplamente investigada. Este estudo examina a relação entre a estrutura familiar e a qualidade das experiências de adolescentes nas atividades diárias e contextos sociais, e a percepção que eles têm das influên-cias em suas vidas, de seus desafios e metas. Para atingir estes objetivos, Flow Questionnaire e o Life Theme Questionnaire foram aplicados a 50 adolescentes italianas (15-21 anos), 25 vivendo em famílias com ambos os pais, 25 em Instituições Abrigo. Os dados sugerem que a percepção dos adolescentes de um ambiente familiar positivo e acolhedor incentiva a busca por atividades diárias desafiadoras e agradáveis e o envolvimento em contextos sociais produtivos. Ao contrário, uma percepção negativa da família está relacionada com falta de engajamento e motivação e a prevalência de atividades com baixo índice de desafio como fonte de divertimento e satisfação. Os resultados, apesar de se ter uma amostra pequena que n'ao permite generalizações, confirmam o papel crucial da família no influenciar o desenvolvimento psicológico e comportamental dos adolescentes.Palavras-chave: Adolescentes, experiência familiar, desenvolvimento. LIVING AT HOME OR IN INSTITUTION: ADOLESCENTS' OPTIMAL EXPERIENCE AND LIFE THEME ABSTRACT:The influence of family relationships on adolescents' behavior and development has been widely investigated. This study examines the relationship between family structure and adolescents' quality of experience in daily activities and social contexts, and their perceived life influences, challenges and goals. To achieve this aim, Flow Questionnaire and Life Theme Questionnaire were administered to 50 Italian girls (15-21 years of age), 25 living in two-parent families, 25 entrusted to Institutions for Custody of Minors. The findings suggest that adolescents' perception of a positive and supportive family environment fosters the active search for challenges and enjoyment in daily activities, and the involvement in productive and social contexts. On the contrary, negative family perception is related to lack of engagement and motivation, and to the prevalence of low-challenge activities as sources of enjoyment and satisfaction. Although the sample size does not allow us to draw conclusions about causality, the results confirm the crucial role of family in influencing adolescents' psychological and behavioral development.

Psychological Indicators and Perceptions of Adolescents in Residential Care

“…Family relationships can be significantly worse for institutionalized groups, containing uncertainties, conflicts, idealizations and anxieties (Fave & Massimini, 2000). In this study, some adolescents reported some contacts with more than one family member, although the frequency was occasional.…”

“…Many adolescents refer to protection within the care service, with positive references regarding the staff Fave & Massimini, 2000), fundamental figures of interaction in the institutional context, as well as substitutes for some parental duties, such as care, help, protection and elements of limits and discipline. Although the institutions generally have few caregivers for many individuals, the staff can represent parental figures, in cases of environments of stable interaction, providing safe and reliable relationships (Carlos et al, 2013;Marinkovic & Backovic, 2007).…”