Parent–Adolescent Relationships in Families with Depressed and Self–Harming Adolescents

Abstract

Although research into adolescent suicide and mental health has identified links between maladaptive parent–adolescent relationships and poor adolescent adjustment, there are few studies comparing nonclinical adolescents’ perceptions of these relationships to those of clinical groups. This study used a content analysis methodology to assess the quality and nature of 115 parent–adolescent relationships. Dependent variables derived to assess the relationship with mothers and fathers were: overall quality of the relationship; and amount of communication and conflict. Analyses revealed that nonclinical controls reported better relationships with their parents, with these relationships being characterised by more communication and less conflict than those of the clinical groups. Self–harmers experienced the least satisfactory relationships with their parents, and more conflict with their mothers than the other groups. Contrary to expectation, no sex effects were found. However, there was a trend for girls to report more frequent communication with mothers. The value of this study lies in the use of qualitative methodology that draws directly upon the adolescents’ perceptions of their relationships. Additionally, the detail and nature of these data offer mental health professionals the opportunity for greater understanding of the adolescent’s world, with the increased possibility for maximally effective prevention and intervention strategies.

Key Words:

• Adolescence
• Content Analysis
• Depression
• Family Relationships
• Parent–Adolescent Relationships
• Self-Harm
• Suicide
• Adolescent Mental Health