Comparing Foster and Non‐Foster Adolescents: A Pilot Study on Relationships and Psychological Difficulties

ABSTRACT Adolescents experience substantial changes in their close relationships, which are linked to psychological adjustment. Research on relationships among adolescents in foster care is limited, especially in Germany. This pilot study ( N = 30; 15 in foster families, 15 in biological families) explored how relationship qualities—measured by the Network of Relationships Inventory – Behavioral Systems Version (NRI‐BSV)—relate to psychological difficulties, assessed with the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). We examined perceived support and negative interactions in key relationships (caregivers and best friends). Negative interactions in adolescents' key relationships were significantly linked to higher total difficulties, whereas perceived support was not. No significant group differences appeared regarding overall support, negative interactions or psychological difficulties. Foster youth reported less support in their relationship with their best friends. Notably, the SDQ total difficulties score was above the clinical cutoff in both groups, possibly partly reflecting pandemic‐related stress. Relationship‐specific patterns varied: for adolescents in biological families, conflicts with best friends were associated with psychological difficulties; for foster youth, conflicts with foster caregivers were associated with psychological difficulties. These findings underscore the significance of stable, supportive social networks during adolescence and their crucial role as a valuable resource for youth at risk.