ABSTRACT
This chapter provides both parents' and teens' descriptions of intra- and extra-familial relationships, including spousal, peer, extended family, and other adult relationships, that is, those relationships that occur within the central circle of the eco map and those that occur in the outer circles. It focuses on gender differences in these descriptions, as gender has been found to affect relationship processes over the lifespan. It presents two major theories for understanding developmental changes in these relationship dynamics: ecological systems and the convoy model of social support. Social support in adolescents' relationships is the primary focus to understand participants' descriptions of their relationships. The Convoy Model posits that social support develops over time from person-environment interaction involving attachment processes, social role requirements, and characteristics of the social network composition and its support provisions.
