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Parent-adolescent conflict: an empirical review
1School of Social Work, San Diego State University, California 92182.
Adolescence
|January 1, 1987
Summary
Parent-adolescent conflict is common, but treatment varies by theory. This review compares psychoanalytic, systems, and social learning theories, examining factors like parenting and communication to propose an integrated model.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
- Family Studies
Background:
- Parent-adolescent conflict is often viewed as a typical developmental phase.
- Treatment strategies for problematic conflict are influenced by clinicians' theoretical orientations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare and contrast psychoanalytic, systems, and social learning theories regarding parent-adolescent conflict.
- To review factors influencing parent-adolescent conflict, such as developmental stage, parenting styles, and external pressures.
- To present an integrated, empirically supported model for understanding this conflict.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of psychoanalytic, systems, and social learning theories.
- Literature review of studies and reviews on parent-adolescent conflict.
- Examination of factors including developmental stage, parenting styles, peer influence, communication, marital conflict, substance use, academics, and sexual behavior.
Main Results:
- Empirical support for different theoretical orientations varies.
- Common conclusions emerge from examining various studies and literature reviews.
- Key factors influencing conflict include developmental stage, parenting styles, peer influence, communication, marital discord, and external stressors.
Conclusions:
- An integrated and empirically supported model can effectively explain parent-adolescent conflict.
- Understanding the interplay of theoretical perspectives and contextual factors is crucial for effective intervention.