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Parental communication and life satisfaction in adolescence
María-Jesús Cava1, Sofía Buelga1, Gonzalo Musitu2
1Universidad de Valencia (Spain).
The Spanish Journal of Psychology
|June 10, 2015
Summary
Adolescent communication with parents directly impacts life satisfaction. This connection is also indirect, influenced by self-esteem and loneliness, with variations observed between genders.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Psychology
- Adolescent Psychology
- Family Studies
Background:
- Parent-adolescent communication is crucial for well-being.
- Self-esteem, loneliness, and classroom environment are key factors in adolescent development.
- Understanding gender differences in these relationships is important.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the direct and indirect effects of mother and father communication on adolescent life satisfaction.
- To investigate the mediating roles of self-esteem, loneliness, and classroom environment.
- To explore potential gender differences in these communication-life satisfaction pathways.
Main Methods:
- Structural equation modeling was employed.
- A sample of 1,795 adolescents (52% male, 48% female) aged 11-18 participated.
- Statistical analyses assessed direct and indirect effects.
Main Results:
- Direct positive effects of communication with both parents on life satisfaction were found for both genders.
- Indirect effects were significant through self-esteem (positive) and loneliness (negative) for both genders.
- Gender differences in the strength of these indirect effects were observed.
Conclusions:
- Open communication with parents significantly enhances adolescent life satisfaction.
- Self-esteem and reduced loneliness are key mediators in this relationship.
- Tailored communication strategies may be beneficial, considering gender-specific nuances.
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