Relationships in adolescence

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Relationships in adolescence

A01: relationship with parents:

Relationships with parents are often perceived to be different in adolescence and to become characterised by conflict and psychological disturbance.

Research evidence for conflict

Different approaches offer insights into why conflict may occur.  For example, cognitive developmental theories can explain conflict as the developmental of thoughts and opinions due to attachment of the formal operations stages of cognitive development.  The sociological approach focuses on external pressures, such as the peer group, as a source of conflict in the home.  The psychoanalytical approach links conflict to the adolescent’s inner crisis and striving for independence.  The evolutionary theory explains conflict as competition for resources.  The humanistic perspective link conflict to a lack of unconditional positive regard and self – esteem.

Autonomy:

Apter (1990) studied 65 mother daughter pairs in US and UK.  Most adolescent girls felt closest to the other mothers.  In contrast to traditional view, it showed that parents played an important role in the development of autonomy – connected and secure attacthment promote healthy development in both infancy and adolescence.

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Conflict:

Barber (1974) found that parents and adolescents argue over school work, chores, social life and friends, personal hygiene, disobedience; avoid issues like sex, drug, religion and politics.

Smetana (1988) found that adolescents feel that certain areas of their lives should be under their own control sleeping in late, watching TV, hairstyles, clothing and friendships.

Dishon et al (1991) found that conflicts with parents are most likely if they feel their child has become involved with the ‘wrong crowd’ (a deviant peer group).

Identity:

Waterman (1982) reviewed a number of studies. ...

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