Abstract

The goals of the current study were to examine different profiles of perceived relational support, whether individuals’ age, gender, and levels of self-concept are associated with different profiles of perceived relational support, and whether levels of prosocial behavior, aggression, and anxious solitary behavior differ between different profiles of perceived relational support among early adolescents. Longitudinal data of 714 upper elementary school students' self-reported perceptions of relational support and social behavior were used. The results of the latent profile analysis (LPA) confirmed four latent class models: Low Relational Support, Moderate Relational Support, Peer-Oriented Support, and High Relational Support. The findings indicated that levels of social self-concept are associated with different profiles of perceived relational support, and being in a profile of High Relational Support is associated with positive social behavior. These findings emphasize the need to focus on perceived relational support at a more individualized level.