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Developmental changes in conflict resolution styles in parent-adolescent relationships: a four-wave longitudinal
Muriel D Van Doorn1, Susan J T Branje, Wim H J Meeus
1Research Centre Adolescent Development, Utrecht University, P.O. Box 80.140, 3508, TC Utrecht, The Netherlands. m.d.vandoorn@uu.nl
Journal of Youth and Adolescence
|February 24, 2010
Summary
Parent-adolescent relationships evolve, with adolescents increasingly using positive problem-solving and withdrawal, while conflict engagement decreases. These changes foster more equal, horizontal relationships during adolescence.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Psychology
- Family Studies
- Adolescent Behavior
Background:
- Parent-adolescent relationships undergo significant transformations during adolescence.
- Understanding changes in conflict resolution is crucial for healthy family dynamics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate longitudinal changes in three conflict resolution styles: positive problem solving, conflict engagement, and withdrawal.
- To examine how these changes differ between adolescents' reports and parents' perceptions.
- To determine if these changes contribute to a more horizontal parent-adolescent relationship.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal study tracking 314 early adolescents and their parents over four years.
- Utilized questionnaires to assess adolescents' and parents' perceptions of conflict resolution styles.
- Analyzed changes in positive problem solving, conflict engagement, and withdrawal.
Main Results:
- Adolescents' positive problem solving increased with mothers but not fathers; fathers reported increases with adolescents.
- Adolescents' conflict engagement showed a temporary increase with mothers; both adolescents and parents decreased conflict engagement.
- Adolescents' withdrawal increased with parents, particularly mothers, while fathers' withdrawal also increased.
Conclusions:
- Both adolescents and parents adapt their conflict resolution strategies from early to middle adolescence.
- Conflict resolution styles evolve towards a more egalitarian or horizontal relationship dynamic.
- These findings highlight the dynamic nature of family relationships during adolescent development.
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