PUTTING CONFLICT IN CONTEXT

Abstract

Comments on the monograph Understanding mother-adolescent conflict discussions, by Eisenberg et al (see records [rid]2009-02762-001[/rid], [rid]2009-02762-002[/rid], [rid]2009-02762-003[/rid], [rid]2009-02762-004[/rid], [rid]2009-02762-005[/rid], [rid]2009-02762-006[/rid], and [rid]2008-10521-008[/rid]). Just as no area in adolescent development has received as much attention as parent-adolescent relationships, no topic within the area of parent-adolescent relationships has received as much attention as conflict. Despite this attention, few researchers have carefully followed the longitudinal development of parent-child conflict as it unfolds from childhood into early adolescence. In a monograph, Eisenberg and her colleagues have taken on this task. Beginning with children ranging in age from 5 to 10 years old, this research followed children for 5 years into early adolescence. Using a rich data set that includes multiple informants and multiple assessment mode), the authors have provided insight into the predictors of individual differences in mother-child conflict. In so doing, this project begins to shed light on why, in some families, early adolescent conflict is a healthy process that facilitates the development of mature autonomy and the transformation of close family relationships, while in others, it continues a process of progressive disengagement. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)