Perspectives of Australian family support professionals on the causes and consequences of maladaptive parent-adolescent conflict

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objectives This study aimed to explore the most prevalent causes and consequences of maladaptive parent-adolescent conflict from the perspectives of Australian psychologists and other family clinicians. We also queried whether these professionals have observed events or times that exacerbate parent-adolescent conflict. Method A cross-sectional survey was used to collect data from one hundred and thirty-seven clinicians working in Australia with parents and adolescents. Data were collected via an author-developed, online survey and frequencies were reported. Results Daily issues of family life (e.g., chores) and relationship readjustment were reported as the most prevalent themes causing parent-adolescent conflict, with problems at school reported as a theme resulting from conflict. Mental health issues in parents and adolescents were reported to (a) be common causes of conflict and (b) worsen after conflict. Trauma and domestic and family violence were identified as additional causes not well represented in existing research. Respondents reported Christmas as a time when conflict was exacerbated. Conclusions Increased awareness amongst clinicians of the likelihood of encountering these issues in their work with families will support competent risk assessment, crisis management and service delivery. Implications of findings for future research on parent-adolescent conflict during specific years of adolescence, training of clinicians and risk management in clinical practice are discussed. KEY POINTS What is already known on this topic: Conflict with parents increases during the adolescent years. Parent-adolescent conflict can be caused by a wide range of factors, and have a range of adaptive and maladaptive consequences. Parents and adolescents experiencing maladaptive conflicts often seek support from family clinicians. What this topic adds: A current exploration of the causes and consequences of parent-adolescent conflict that are most prevalent. The perspectives of the family clinicians who support conflicted parents and adolescents, but have been underrepresented in existing research. Inform early-career clinicians who support families of the most prevalent factors they may encounter in their work, improving risk assessment and crisis management following a conflict.