" (Larsen, Wilson, Brown, Furstenberg, & Verma, 2002) Changes affecting the mismatch between adolescents" preparations and the demands of adulthood are evident due to the disruption of the family structure. A marriage, divorce, or dying of a spouse can effect an adolescents experiences and alter the family role in the transition of adolescents into adulthood. "Children of divorce tend to experience more psychological, social, and academic difficulties then their peers raised in households with two biological parents." (Yongmin, 2001) When an adolescent is raised in a house with one parent there is often more stress on the whole family. Unfortunately, the adolescent may not be getting the needed attention during this difficult time of their life. This lack of attention may be one of the main causes for the psychological, social, and academic difficulties. .
A second deterrent that negatively affects the goodness-of-fit is the idea of peer groups. What adolescents learn at home from their parents, they bring to their peer groups. "Peer groups are seen as valuable networks through which conceptions of identify and self-esteem are negotiated. They are sources of instrumental and emotional support, offering a sense of belonging during a period of physical, emotional, and cognitive adjustments." (Tarrant, 2001) The majority of adolescents lives are spent with their peer groups or peers at school. Spending seven to eight hours at school with their peers affects adolescent behaviors and attitudes. Adolescents often feel the need to act accordingly to what is accepted by their peers. "Because teens spend more time with peers and less with families during their transition into adulthood, peers have the most important influence on their day-to day behavior." ( Garnier & Stein, 2002) Peer groups may exert either a positive or negative influence, depending on the characteristics of the group.
