A study on factorial structure of late adolescents' attitudes and behaviors towards their parents

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the factorial structure of adolescents' attitudes and behaviors towards their parents, and to suggest a framework for understanding a psychological weaning process. First, 379 male and 422 female undergraduate students were asked to answer questionnaires composed of 105 questions. These questions concerned parent-children relationships. Answers for all questions were analyzed with the factor analysis. Second, primary factor correlations were analyzed through secondary factor analysis. The results showed that the structure of adolescents' attitudes and behaviors towards their parents were composed of five primary factors (1. Favorable influence by their parents ; 2. Confrontation with their parents ; 3. Obedience to their parents ; 4. Affectionate bond with their parents ; and 5. Recognition of their parents as an independent single person). Were also found two secondary factors : 1. Affiliation orientation factor ; and 2. Objective and independent orientation factors. Third, the author proposed a framework for understanding a psychological weaning process with these secondary factors.