Conceptual Changes during Adolescence and Effects upon Parent-Child Relationships

Abstract

Cognitive changes during the adolescent years are frequently invoked as a factor in the transformation of parent-child relationships. Theoretical formulations and empirical studies of conceptual changes and linkages between these and changes in parent-child relationships were reviewed in three categories: those focussing on the role of conceptions of parents; those focussing on self-conceptions and their implications; and those focussing on concepts of parent-child relationships. Most research has addressed solely conceptual change. Only three studies have examined both conceptual change and interpersonal relationships. Thus, the common assumption of a linkage between conceptual and relationship change as yet has no empirical basis. Future research in the area will require: (a) measures and research designs that are sensitive to cognitive changes in the domain of parent-child relationships; and (b) a more specific delineation of the conditions under which linkages should be expected between conceptual changes and alterations in various aspects of parent-adolescent relationships.