A Conceptual Model for Underlying Factors of Parent-Adolescent Conflicts from Parents’ Perspective

Parent-adolescent conflict, which is affected by many factors, is one of the most important problems in many families with adolescents. This study, which was conducted via a qualitative method on the basis of grounded theory, aimed at identifying the underlying factors of parent-adolescent conflicts. Using theoretical, purposive, and voluntary sampling, a total number of 14 couples were selected from among parents of adolescents who were referred to the counseling centers of General Directorate of Education and Schools Counseling Center in Isfahan. The required data were collected using semi-structured interviews that continued until achieving theoretical saturation. The collected data were analyzed using theoretical coding (open, axial and selective coding). The open coding helped to achieve 925 preliminary codes, 377 secondary codes, 78 concepts, 18 categories, and 4 main factors (factors related to adolescents, parents, family, and community). Based on the results of axial coding, the axial category of inefficient parenting style, the causal factors (including personality traits, demographic features, marital conflicts, and parents’ lack of awareness), the meditating factors (including environmental stressors, friends, and technology), and the background factors (including low quality of family life, deficient family functioning, puberty, unpleasant past experiences, and adolescents’ lack of awareness) were the main factors that resulted in ineffective strategies and caused behavioral, cognitive, and emotional problems among parents and adolescents. On the basis of the obtained results, the respective conceptual model was explained.