Social and affective environments: the importance of family ecosystems for positive development during adolescence

Youngsters’ health trajectories, well-being, and life satisfaction result from the intricate links among the various environmental contexts in which they are embedded, but also from the interpersonal relationships that they establish. The family ecosystem assumes relevance, also because of its dynamic nature as children grow older and become adolescents. This chapter explores the health and well-being of adolescents and how these interact with physical, social, and affective environmental variables such as their relationship with their parents, namely regarding communication and perceived support. A case study from the Health Behavior in School-aged Children/World Health Organization 2018 survey is discussed. Evidence supports that adolescents’ health should be understood from an ecological perspective by considering individual factors, as well as physical, social, and affective environments, including their relationship with significant others and with the cultural context in which they are embedded.