Skip to main content

Advertisement

SpringerLink
Log in

Resolution of parent–child conflicts in the adolescence

  • Published:
European Journal of Psychology of Education Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The aims of the study were: (1) to examine whether adolescents’ attachment and the perceived quality of the communication with their parents relate to effective resolution of parent–child conflicts and (2) to determine whether the pattern of associations changes with adolescents’ gender and age. The sample consisted of 295 adolescents who filled the questionnaires. Structural Equations Models showed that secure attachment predicted a positive communicative climate, which in turn, predicted a more frequent use of negotiation. Secure attachment was related to the use of withdrawal strategies. Anxious attachment was related to high levels of criticism and disputes with parents, which, in turn, predicted the use of all conflict resolution styles. Avoidant attachment was not related to any of the conflict resolution styles. No differences were found in the pattern of associations by gender and age. The relevance of the findings for the social relational perspective to conflict resolution is discussed.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Adams, R., & Laursen, B. (2007). The correlates of conflict: disagreement is not necessarily detrimental. Journal of Family Psychology, 21, 445–458.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Allen, J. P., & Hauser, S. T. (1996). Autonomy and relatedness in adolescent-family interactions as predictors of young adults’ states of mind regarding attachment. Development and Psychopathology, 8, 793–809.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Allen, J. P., & Land, D. (1999). Attachment in adolescence. In J. Cassidy & P. Shaver (Eds.), Handbook of attachment (pp. 319–335). Nueva York: Guilford.

    Google Scholar 

  • Allison, B. N., & Schultz, J. B. (2004). Parent-adolescent conflict in early adolescence. Adolescence, 39, 101–119.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bartholomew, K., & Horowitz, L. M. (1991). Attachment styles among young adults: a test of a four-category model. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 61, 226–244.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bartle-Haring, S., & Gavazzi, S. M. (1996). Multiple views on family data: the sample case of adolescent, maternal and paternal perspectives on family differentiation levels. Family Process, 35, 457–472.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bentler, P. M. (1989). EQS Structural Equations Program Manual. Los Angeles, CA: BMDP Statistical Software.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bentler, P. M. (2005). EQS 6.1 for Windows. Los Angeles, CA: Multivariate Software Inc.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bowlby, J. (1980). Attachment and loss (vol.3). New York: Basic Books.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bretherton, I., & Munholland, K. A. (1999). Internal working models in attachment relationships: a construct revisited. In J. Cassidy & P. R. Shaver (Eds.), Handbook of attachment: theory, research, and clinical applications (pp. 3–20). New York: Guilford.

    Google Scholar 

  • Browne, M. W., & Cudeck, R. (1993). Alternative ways of assessing model fit. In K. A. Bollen & J. S. Long (Eds.), Testing structural equation models (pp. 136–162). Newbury Park, CA: Sage.

    Google Scholar 

  • Caughlin, J. P., & Ramey, M. E. (2005). The demand/withdraw pattern of communication in parent-adolescent dyads. Personal Relationships, 12, 337–355.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chung, T., & Asher, S. R. (1996). Children’s goals and strategies in peer conflict situations. Merrill-Palmer Quarterly, 42, 125–147.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cicognani, E., & Zani, B. (2009). Conflict styles and outcomes in families with adolescent children. Social Development, 19, 427–436.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Collins, N. L., Cooper, M. L., Albino, A., & Allard, L. (2002). Psychosocial vulnerability from adolescence to adulthood: a prospective study of attachment style differences in relationship functioning and partner choice. Journal of Personality, 70, 965–1008.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Feeney, J., Noller, P., & Hanrahan, M. (1994). Assessing adult attachment: developments in the conceptualization of security and insecurity. In M. B. Sperling & W. H. Berman (Eds.), Attachment in adults: theory, assessment, and treatment (pp. 128–152). New York: Guilford.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fraley, R. C., & Shaver, P. R. (2000). Adult romantic attachment: theoretical developments, emerging controversies, and unanswered questions. Review of General Psychology, 4, 132–154.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gaines, S. O., Reis, H. T., Summers, S., Rusbult, C. E., Cox, C. L., Wexler, M. O., et al. (1997). Impact of attachment style on reactions to accommodative dilemmas in close relationships. Personal Relationships, 4, 93–113.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gilani, N. P. (1999). Conflict management of mothers and daughters belonging to individualistic and collectivistic cultural backgrounds: a comparative study. Journal of Adolescence, 22, 853–865.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Graziano, W. G., Jensen-Campbell, L. A., & Hair, E. C. (1996). Perceiving interpersonal conflict and reacting to it: the case for agreeableness. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 70, 820–835.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Grotevant, H. D., & Cooper, C. R. (1985). Patterns of interaction in family relationships and the development of identity exploration in adolescence. Child Development, 56, 415–428.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hazan, C., & Shaver, P. R. (1987). Romantic love conceptualized as an attachment process. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 52, 511–524.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hinde, R. A. (1987). Individuals, relationships, and culture: links between ethology and the social science. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Holmbeck, G. N., & Hill, J. P. (1991). Conflictive engagement, positive affect, and menarche in families with seventh-grade girls. Child Development, 62, 1030–1048.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hu, L., & Bentler, P. M. (1999). Cut off criteria for fit indexes in covariance structure analysis: conventional criteria versus new alternatives. Structural Equation Modeling, 6, 1–55.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jarvinen, D. W., & Nicholls, J. G. (1996). Adolescents’ social goals, belief about the causes of social success, and satisfaction in peer relations. Developmental Psychology, 32, 435–441.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Johnson, H. D., La Voie, J. C., Eggenburg, E., Mahoney, M. A., & Pounds, L. (2001). Changes in adolescents’ conflict responses associated with consecutive presentation of hypothetical conflict situations. Journal of Adolescence, 24, 647–655.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kerr, M., & Stattin, H. (2000). What parents know, how they know it, and several forms of adolescent adjustment: further support for a reinterpretation of monitoring. Developmental Psychology, 36, 366–380.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kobak, R. R., & Duemmler, S. (1994). Attachment and conversation: a discourse analysis of goal-corrected partnerships. In K. Bartholomew & D. Perlman (Eds.), Advances in personal relationships (Attachment processes in adulthood, Vol. 5, pp. 121–149). London: Jessica Kingsley.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kobak, R. R., Cole, H. E., Ferenz-Gillies, R., Fleming, W. S., & Gamble, W. (1993). Attachment and emotion regulation during mother-teen problem solving: a control theory analysis. Child Development, 64, 231–245.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kurdek, L. A. (1994). Conflict resolution styles in gay, lesbian, heterosexual nonparent, and heterosexual parent couples. Journal of Marriage and the Family, 56, 705–722.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Laursen, B., & Collins, W. A. (1994). Interpersonal conflict during adolescence. Psychological Bulletin, 115, 197–209.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Laursen, B., Coy, K. C., & Collins, W. A. (1998). Reconsidering changes in parent-child conflict across adolescence: a meta-analysis. Child Development, 69, 817–832.

    Google Scholar 

  • Marsh, H. W., & Hocevar, D. (1988). A new, more powerful approach to multitrait-multimethod analyses: application of second-order confirmatory factor analysis. Journal of Applied Psychology, 73, 107–117.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mayseless, O. (1996). Attachment patterns and their outcomes. Human Development, 39, 206–223.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mikulincer, M., & Shaver, P. R. (2005). Attachment theory and emotions in close relationships: exploring the attachment-related dynamics of emotional reactions to relational events. Personal Relationships, 12, 149–168.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ortega, M.E., & Triana, B. (2002). Questionnaire on the Quality of Parent-Child Relationships (Cuestionario sobre la Calidad de las Relaciones Padres-Hijos). Unpublished manuscript, University of La Laguna.

  • Parra, A., & Oliva, A. (2002). Comunicación y conflicto durante la adolescencia. Anales de Psicología, 18, 215–231.

    Google Scholar 

  • Reis, H. T., Collins, W. A., & Berscheid, E. (2000). The relationship context of human behavior and development. Psychological Bulletin, 126, 844–872.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rodrigo, M. J., García, M., Máiquez, M. L., & Triana, B. (2005). Discrepancias entre padres e hijos adolescentes en la frecuencia percibida e intensidad emocional en los conflictos familiares. Estudios de Psicología, 26, 21–34.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rodrigo, M. J., García, M., Máiquez, M. L., Rodríguez, B., & Padrón, I. (2008). Estrategias y metas en la resolución de conflictos cotidianos entre adolescentes, padres y madres. Infancia y Aprendizaje, 31, 347–362.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rubenstein, J. L., & Feldman, S. S. (1993). Conflict-resolution behavior in adolescent boys: antecedents and adaptational correlates. Journal of Research on Adolescence, 3, 41–66.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rueter, M. A., & Coger, R. D. (1995). Interaction style, problem-solving behavior, and family problem-solving effectiveness. Child Development, 66, 98–115.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rueter, M. A., & Conger, R. D. (1995). Antecedents of parent-adolescent disagreements. Journal of Marriage and the Family, 57, 435–448.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Schumackerb, R. E., & Lomax, R. G. (1996). A beginner’s guide to structural equation modelling. Mahwah, NJ: Erlbaum.

    Google Scholar 

  • Shantz, C. U. (1987). Conflicts between children. Child Development, 58, 283–305.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Shantz, C. U., & Hartup, W. W. (Eds.). (1992). Conflict in child and adolescent development. Cambridge, England: Cambridge University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Shaver, P. R., & Mikulincer, M. (2002). Attachment-related psychodynamics. Attachment & Human Development, 4, 133–161.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sillars, A., Canary, D. J., & Tafoya, M. (2004). Communication, conflict, and the quality of family relationships. In A. L. Vangelisti (Ed.), Handbook of family communication. LEA’s communication series (pp. 413–446). Mahwah, NJ: Erlbaum.

    Google Scholar 

  • Smetana, J. G. (2005). Adolescent-parent conflict: resistance and subversion as developmental process. In L. Nucci (Ed.), Resistance, subversion, and subordination in moral development (pp. 69–91). Mahwah, NJ: Erlbaum.

    Google Scholar 

  • Steinberg, L. (1990). Interdependency in the family: autonomy, conflict, and harmony in the parent-adolescent relationships. In S. S. Feldman & G. R. Elliot (Eds.), At the threshold: the developing adolescent (pp. 225–276). Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Steinberg, L., & Morris, A. S. (2001). Adolescent development. Annual Review of Psychology, 52, 83–110.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Strough, J., Berg, C. A., & Sansone, C. (1996). Goals for solving every-day problems across the life span: age and gender differences in the salience of interpersonal concerns. Developmental Psychology, 32, 1106–1115.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tucker, C. J., McHale, S. M., & Crouter, A. C. (2003). Conflict resolution: links with adolescents’ family relationships and individual well-being. Journal of Family Issues, 24, 715–736.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Yau, J., & Smetana, J. G. (2003). Adolescent-parent conflict in Hong Kong and Shenzhen: a comparison of youth in two cultural contexts. International Journal of Behavioral Development, 27, 201–211.

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Public Health Agency of Barcelona, Institute of Biomedical Research, CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Barcelona, Spain

    Marta García-Ruiz

  2. Faculty of Psychology, University of La Laguna, 38205, La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain

    María José Rodrigo, Juan Andrés Hernández-Cabrera & María Luisa Máiquez

  3. Department of Child and Adolescent Studies, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands

    Maja Deković

Authors
  1. Marta García-Ruiz
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. María José Rodrigo
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Juan Andrés Hernández-Cabrera
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. María Luisa Máiquez
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Maja Deković
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to María José Rodrigo.

Additional information

Marta García-Ruiz. Public Health Agency of Barcelona, Institute of Biomedical Research, CIBER Epidemiologia y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Barcelona, Spain

Current themes of research:

Parent-child conflicts. Resolution styles. Adolescent and Family Life-styles.

Relevant publications in the field of Psychology of Education:

Rodrigo, M. J., Máiquez, M. L., Padrón, I., & García, M. (2009). ¿Por qué y con qué intención lo hizo? Atribuciones de los padres y adolescentes durante los conflictos familiares (Why and for what purpose did it? Attributions of parents and adolescents during family conflicts). Psicothema, 21, 273–278.

Rodrigo, M. J., García, M., Máiquez, M. L., Rodríguez, B., & Padrón, I. (2008). Estrategias y metas en la resolución de conflictos cotidianos entre adolescentes, padres y madres (Strategies and goals in solving everyday conflicts between adolescents, fathers and mothers). Infancia y Aprendizaje, 31(3), 347–362.

Rodrigo, M. J., García, M., Máiquez, M. L., & Triana, B. (2005). Discrepancias entre padres e hijos adolescentes en la frecuencia percibida e intensidad emocional de los conflictos familiares (Discrepancies between parents and adolescents in the perceived frequency and emotional intensity in family conflicts). Estudios de Psicología, 26, 21–34.

María José Rodrigo. Department of Developmental Psychology and Education. Faculty of Psychology, University of La Laguna, 38205 La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain. E-mail: mjrodri@ull.es

Current themes of research:

Parent-child relationships in normalized and at-risk families. Brain bases of Neglectful Motherhood. Evidence-based Parenting programs.

Relevant publications in the field of Psychology of Education:

Rodrigo, M. J., Byrne, S., & Álvarez, M. (2012). Preventing child maltreatment through parenting programs implemented at the local social services level. European Journal of Developmental Psychology 9, 89–103.

Rodrigo, M. J., León, I., Lage, A., Byrne, S., & Bobes, M. A. (2011). Brain and personality bases of insensitivity to infant cues in neglectful mothers: an ERP study. Development and Psychopathology, 23, 163–176.

Rodríguez, G., Rodrigo, M. J., Janssens, J., & Triana, B. (2011). Quality of maternal thinking and quality of mother-child interaction in at risk contexts. Scandinavian Journal of Psychology, 52, 545–552.

Juan Andrés Hernández-Cabrera. Department of Psychobiology and Methodology, University of La Laguna, San Cristobal de La Laguna, 38205, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Tenerife, Spain. E-mail: jhernandezcabrera@gmail.com

Current themes of research:

Multivariate data analysis. ERP and FMRI data analysis.

Relevant publications in the field of Psychology of Education:

León, I., Díaz, J. M., de Vega, M., & Hernández J. A. (2010). Discourse-based emotional consistency modulates early and middle components of event-related potentials. Emotions, 10(6), 863–873.

León, I., Hernández-Cabrera, J., Rodriguez, S., & Vila, J. (2009). When head is tempered by heart: Heart rate variability modulates perception of other-blame reducing anger. Motivation and Emotion. 33, 1–9.

Gonzalez-Mendez, R., & Hernández-Cabrera, J. A. (2009). Play context, commitment, and dating violence: A structural equation model. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 24, 1518–1535.

María Luisa Máiquez. Department of Developmental Psychology and Education, Faculty of Psychology, University of La Laguna, 38205 La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain. E-mail: mmaicha@ull.es

Current themes of research:

At-risk families. Evidence-based parenting programs. Large-scale implementation and evaluation of parenting programs.

Relevant publications in the field of Psychology of Education:

Rodrigo, M. J., Camacho, J., Máiquez, M. L., Byrne, S., & Benito, J. M. (2009). Factores que influyen en el pronóstico de recuperación de las familias en riesgo psicosocial: el papel de la resiliencia del menor (Factors that influence the prognosis for recovery in psychosocial risk families: The role of child resilience). Psicothema, 21, 90–96.

Rodrigo, M. J., Martín, J. C., Máiquez, M. L., & Rodríguez, G. (2007). Informal and formal supports and maternal child-rearing practices in at-risk and non at-risk psychosocial contexts. Children and Youth Services Review, 29, 329–347.

Rodrigo, M. J., Máiquez, M. L., Correa, A. D., Martín, J.C., & Rodríguez, G. (2006). Outcome evaluation of a community centre-based program for mothers at high psychosocial risk. Child Abuse and Neglect, 39, 1049–1064.

Maja Deković. Department of Child and Adolescent Studies, Utrecht University, P.O. Box 80.140, 3508 TC Utrecht, The Netherlands. E-mail: M.Dekovic@uu.nl

Current themes of research:

Development and determinants of child and family problems. Effectiveness of family-based interventions.

Relevant publications in the field of Psychology of Education:

Deković, M., Stolz, S., Schuiringa, H., Manders, W., & Asscher, J. J. (2012). Testing theories through evaluation research: Conceptual and methodological issues embedded in evaluations of parenting programmes. European Journal of Developmental Psychology, 9, 61–74..

Deković, M., Slagt, M. I., Asscher, J. J., Boendermaker, L., Eichelsheim, V. I., & Prinzie, P. (2011). Effects of early prevention programs on adult criminal offending: A meta-analysis. Clinical Psychology Review, 31, 532–544.

Deković, M., Asscher, J. J., Hermanns, J., Reitz, E., Prinzie, P., & Akker, A. L. van den (2010). Tracing changes in families who participated in Home-Start parenting program: Parental competence as mechanism of change. Prevention Science, 11, 263–274.

This research was supported by funding from the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation, project SEJ2007-67082, to the second author.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

García-Ruiz, M., Rodrigo, M.J., Hernández-Cabrera, J.A. et al. Resolution of parent–child conflicts in the adolescence. Eur J Psychol Educ 28, 173–188 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10212-012-0108-7

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10212-012-0108-7

Keywords

Search

Navigation