ABSTRACT Title of Thesis: THE ROLE OF MOTHERS’ AUTHORITATIVE PARENTING IN ADOLESCENT ATTACHMENT AND SOCIAL RELATIONSHIPS

Title of Thesis: THE ROLE OF MOTHERS’ AUTHORITATIVE PARENTING IN ADOLESCENT ATTACHMENT AND SOCIAL RELATIONSHIPS Kathryn Maria Beck, Master of Science, 2011 Thesis Directed by: Associate Professor Leigh A. Leslie Department of Family Science Research has shown the increasing importance of peer relationships for adolescents and a variety of positive outcomes for adolescents with quality, supportive friendships. The literature shows that both parenting style and attachment security influence adolescent social support. However, the mechanism through which parenting style influences adolescent social support remains undetermined. The current study, utilizing a clinical sample of 118 mothers and adolescents, explores the role of adolescent attachment security as a mediating variable for this relationship. Authoritative parenting is assessed using the Parenting Practices Questionnaire (Robinson et al., 1995); attachment using the Relationship Questionnaire (Hazan & Shaver, 1987); and social support using the Social Support Questionnaire (Procidano & Heller, 1983). The findings indicate no significant relationship between mothers’ authoritative parenting and adolescent attachment security, but a positive relationship between adolescent attachment security and social support. The possible meaning of the lack of significant relationship for this sample is discussed. THE ROLE OF MOTHERS’ AUTHORITATIVE PARENTING IN ADOLESCENT ATTACHMENT AND SOCIAL RELATIONSHIPS By Kathryn Maria Beck Thesis submitted to the Faculty of the Graduate School of the University of Maryland, College Park, in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Masters of Science 2011