Many factors influence how well teens master the tasks of adolescence.
One of the most important factors is the individual's sense of self-esteem. When children are young, the family is the primary source of feedback on how strong and valuable they are. By the teen years, however, self-esteem is affected as much or more by friends than by family. Supportive, encouraging friends help teens believe in their own ability to cope with pressure. Of course, a very supportive peer group can have anti-social results, as in the case of some street gangs.