Many adolescent problems result from the need teens feel to achieve independence from parents and the strengths of teens' self-esteem. Often, though, it is a rocky time for parent-child relationships.
Many factors influence how well teens master the tasks of adolescence.
One of the most important factors is the teens' sense of self-esteem. When children are young, their family is the primary source of feedback on how strong and valuable they are. By the teen years, however, self-esteem is influenced more by friends. Supportive friends help teens believe in their own ability to cope with pressure. Of course, a supportive peer group can have anti-social results, as in the case of some street gangs.