Adolescent Attachment Trajectories With Mothers and Fathers: The Importance of Parent–Child Relationship Experiences and Gender

Abstract

This longitudinal study investigated how attachment with mothers and fathers changes during adolescence, and how gender and parent-child relationship experiences are associated with attachment trajectories. The relative importance of specific positive and negative relationship experiences on attachment trajectories was also examined. An initial sample of 223 adolescents reported on relationship experiences and attachment avoidance and anxiety with mothers and fathers in grades 6, 8, 10, and 12 (final N=110; Mage=11.90 years at onset, SD=.43). Mothers and fathers reported on relationship experiences with adolescents. Hierarchical linear modeling showed that security with parents increased during adolescence. Positive relationship experiences (companionship, satisfaction, approval, support) predicted increases in security and negative experiences (pressure, criticism) predicted decreases in security. Females reported less avoidance than males.

Mapping developmental changes in perceived parent–adolescent relationship quality throughout middle school and high school

“…Mixed findings, such as these previously described, point to the need for longitudinal studies to explore the effects of gender on changes in parental relationship quality throughout adolescence (Ruhl et al, 2015; Simons & Conger, 2007). In the present study, therefore, a prospective research design that included a consistent, validated measure of perceived relationship quality across seven annual assessments (spanning age 12 through age 18) will demonstrate whether gender differences exist among parent–adolescent relationships.…”

“…Different patterns of change observed within parent–child relationships may depend on the gender of the adolescent and parent (Biblarz & Stacey, 2010). Although most studies have focused on the relationship with mothers or combined assessment scores across both parents (Ruhl, Dolan, & Buhrmester, 2015; Sheeber, Hops, & Davis, 2001), the few studies that have looked at mothers and fathers separately have demonstrated that beyond infancy, perceived relationship quality is uniquely tailored to each parent (Ainsworth, 1989; Cabrera, Fitzgerald, Bradley, & Roggman, 2014). For example, some studies have found that adolescent relationships with mothers are typically more secure and of higher quality than those with fathers (e.g., Luthar & Barkin, 2012).…”

Does attachment to parents and peers influence health literacy among adolescents in Malaysia?

“…Attachment relationships between parents and adolescents serve to imprint behavior and attitude inclinations in the latter, starting from infancy and extending into adolescence and adulthood [41]. Parental monitoring and parent-adolescent closeness in interaction are some ways in which parents may influence their children's health literacy.…”

Suicidal Ideation among French Adolescents: Separation Anxiety and Attachment according to Sex

“…Furthermore, most authors have failed to consider the fact that patterns of interaction in family relationships depend on the sex of both the parent and the adolescent (Hoeve et al, 2011;Russel & Saebel, 1997). For example, studies have shown that girls report more attachment security with mothers and fathers during adolescence than boys do, although these conclusions are controversial (Ruhl et al, 2015). According to Steinberg (1987) the separation-individuation process would be better described if four parent-adolescent dyads were taken into account: boys versus girls, each in relation to mothers versus fathers.…”

“…Girls with an avoidant attachment to father had a tendency to report lower Fear of harm befalling family members than secure girls. They tended to minimize the importance of connection to and support from the paternal attachment figure (Ruhl et al, 2015). Teenage boys who were insecurely attached to their mother exhibited more separation anxiety than their securely attached counterparts.…”