Adolescents' perceptions of their parents' disclosure to them

This study examines 144 older adolescents' perceptions of their parents' disclosure of their own lives to them. Information was obtained about the disclosure of 209 parents of college-aged children. The adolescents indicated whether and to what depth their parents had discussed 30 topics with them, and also indicated why they believed their parents had made these disclosures. The data indicate that college-age adolescents believe that their mothers disclose more to them than their fathers, especially about their problems. Mothers were also perceived to disclose for different, more emotional reasons than fathers, and they were perceived to seek advice more often.