This study was an investigation of the relationship between family
variables and the
perceived quality of parental involvement following parental
notification of an adolescent's
decision to have an abortion. Demographics, family religiosity, and family
functioning
variables were examined. Pregnant adolescent clients from seven abortion
clinics in three
states completed a survey assessing their perception of the quality of
parental involvement
and the family variables. Only family functioning variables were significantly
related to the
perceived quality of parental involvement. Family adaptability
(the family's ability to change
its power structure, role relationships, and relationship rules in response
to situational and
developmental stress) was the most predictive. Adolescents from adaptable
families had a
more positive experience with parental involvement than adolescents from
less adaptable
families.