Parent-adolescent Conflict in Early Adolescence: Research and Implications for Middle School Programs

The early years of adolescence are characterized by dramatic physical, cognitive, social, and emotional changes initiated by the onset of puberty. These changes are associated with transformations in family relationships and with the emergence and escalation of conflict between young adolescents and their parents. Research indicates that parent-adolescent conflict increases during the middle school years and involves the everyday events of family life. During this period, conflict has been found to be most evident in interactions between adolescents and their mothers. The prevalence of parent-adolescent conflict during the early adolescent years has direct implications for middle school programs, presenting an opportunity for family and consumer sciences teachers to address the real-life problems and concerns of students. By incorporating a practical problem-solving approach, teachers can empower young adolescents to resolve conflicts with parents in more effective ways, and thereby enhance family relationships.