Mechanisms of Driving Adolescents’ Adjustment in Behavior: A Developmental Systems Approach

Abstract

This study, grounded in developmental systems theory, investigated the roles of family functioning, peer relationships, and adolescents’ dark personality traits related to behavioral adjustment so that we would delve deeper into these relations. Cross-sectional data from 1,878 Chinese adolescents (759 females; Mage = 14.97 years) was used. Results revealed that psychopathy was the strongest predictor of adolescents’ behavioral adjustment. In addition, mediation analysis highlighted the indirect roles of psychopathy and peer relationship between family functioning and behavioral adjustment. These findings clarify the mechanisms of driving adolescents’ behavioral adjustment and highlight the importance of future youth programs focusing on the family as a unit and preventing the development of psychopathy simultaneously.