Adolescent gender differences in social support: Structure, function, and provider type

The study discussed in this article used survey data on 364 adolescents to examine gender differences in perceptions of support across three different constructs: (1) structural support related to the number of adults versus friends; (2) the quantity of support provided by mothers, fathers, peers, and teachers; (3) satisfaction with support from friends and family. Results indicate that young women report a greater number of supportive friends and receive more frequent support from their friends than do young men. However, young men are just as satisfied with friend support as are young women. No gender differences were found in the number of adult supporters, but males received more frequent support from fathers. Nonparental adults emerged as important sources of support for both genders. Implications for practice with adolescents are discussed.