PARENT-ADOLESCENT CONFLICT - A DEVELOPMENTAL-APPROACH

Relying on developmental theories, this study predicted patterns of pa rent-adolescent conflict across early, middle, and late adolescence. T he predictions were supported for 32 of 36 cells in a 3 (adolescent ph ases) by 3 (conflict strategies) by 4 (traditional role relationships) matrix. Overall, the current findings strengthen the proposition that phases of adolescence represent successive and progressive difference s in adolescent development which alter and eventually improve interac tion during parent-adolescent conflict. As predicted, these changes fl uxuated somewhat across the parent-child role relationships (mother-so n, mother-daughters, father-sons, and father-daughter).