Nonverbal Communication between Parents and Adolescents: a Study of Approach and Avoidance Behaviors

This study investigated nonverbal approach and avoidance behaviors exhibited by 30 families with a target child between 7 and 16 years old during a family interaction task. It was hypothesized that avoidance in the form of shame and contempt would be displayed more frequently by early and mid-adolescents than by younger pre-adolescents. It was also expected that approach behaviors would not differ across these age groups. Results provided evidence for increased avoidance and stability of approach behaviors in the parent-child dyad from preadolescence to mid-adolescence. Compared to pre-adolescent children (7-10), early adolescents (11-13) displayed more avoidance behaviors toward their parents, particularly shame. Both older adolescents (14-16) and their parents displayed increased avoidance in the form of reciprocated contempt. Despite increased avoidance in adolescence, no age group differences emerged in the amount of approach displayed between mothers, fathers, and children. This dynamic of attachment and separation occurred in both mother-child and father-child dyads, suggesting that both parents play an important role in the adolescent's developing autonomy. Two dominant issues related to parents and adolescents' socio-emotional development are those of attachment and conflict. Translated into nonverbal terms, these are issues of approach and avoidance. By approach, we mean that issues related to affiliation, acceptance, interest, enjoyment, closeness, and so forth may be expressed nonverbally in behaviors that invite continued or closer involvement. For example, smiling, gazing, flashing interest with brows, sitting in an open position, or aligning one's body with the companion's are all signals of approach. By avoidThis research is based on the doctoral dissertation of Patricia E. Kahlbaugh under the direction of Jeannette M. Haviland at the Graduate School at Rutgers University. We thank the families who gave of their time to participate in this project and the individuals who helped in data recruitment, collection, and coding. Correspondence concerning this article should be addressed to Patricia E. Kahlbaugh, Neuropsychiatric Institute, 68-237, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90024. Journal of Nonverbal Behavior 18H), Spring 1994 9 /994 Human Sciences Press. Inc. 91