HORIZONTAL QUALITIES IN PARENT-CHILD RELATIONSHIPS - PARALLELS WITH AND POSSIBLE CONSEQUENCES FOR CHILDRENS PEER RELATIONSHIPS

The possibility that parent-child relationships contain horizontal qua lities that parallel comparable qualities in child-peer relationships is examined. It is argued that these qualities in parent-child relatio nships provide children with opportunities to experience and practice horizontal skills, which are then used in relationships with peers. To examine this prospect, horizontal qualities in parent-child relations hips are first defined and illustrated. Particular reference is made t o reciprocity and shared power in parent-child relationships, especial ly in contexts involving parent-child play and control exchanges. Deve lopmental changes in the extent, nature, and role of horizontal qualit ies in parent-child relationships are discussed. Evidence is provided of wide individual differences among parent-child dyads in the degree to which horizontal qualities are exhibited. A case is developed for h orizontality in parent-child relationships having consequences for chi ldren's development of peer skills and competence. Issues and limitati ons associated with claims about the presence and role of horizontal q ualities in parent-child relationships are outlined, and directions fo r future research suggested, (C) 1998 Academic Press.