Contextual influence of risk and protective factors on Chinese adolescent psychological well-being, delinquent behavior and academic performance: the role of family and friends

Research shows that family and friends are influential on adolescents’ development. However, little is known about the joint influence of these two social agents on adolescents’ psychological well-being and behaviors. This article examined how Chinese adolescents’ psychological well-being, academic performance and delinquent behavior are associated with the protective and risk factors of family and friends. We analyzed cross-sectional data from 1401 secondary school students (aged 11–16). Structural equation modeling showed that friends’ problem behaviors and family conflicts were linked to poor academic performance and negative psychological well-being. Perceived social support from family and friends were associated with positive psychological well-being and better academic performance. These findings highlight the importance of including both protective and risk factors when studying developmental outcomes. Individual’s delinquent behavior was positively related to friends’ problem behaviors and negatively related to perceived social support from family. This suggests that social support from family members could be an effective resource to help enhance academic performance and psychological well-being, and reduce the likelihood of delinquent behaviors among adolescents.