The meaning of good parent-child relationships for Mexican American adolescents

Citation

Crockett, Lisa; J; Brown, Jill; Russell, Stephen; T; & Shen, Yuh-Ling (2007). The meaning of good parent-child relationships for Mexican American adolescents. Journal of Research on Adolescence. vol. 17 (4) pp. 639-668

Abstract

Perceptions of good parent–adolescent relationships were explored among 19 Mexican American high school students aged 14–17 who participated in focus group interviews on what it means for Mexican American teenagers to have good relationships with parents. Using a grounded theory approach, five general themes emerged in the responses, corresponding to open communication, instrumental and emotional support, indirect expressions of caring, parental control, and valued relationship qualities. Both genders described distinct relationships with mothers and fathers. Relationships with mothers were closer and more open than relationships with fathers, and mothers were seen as being more affectionate, lenient, and emotionally supportive, whereas fathers tended to express caring indirectly by providing instrumental and financial support and by just being there. Parental upbringing, culture, gender, and parental role expectations emerged as explanations for parents’ behavior. Theoretical, methodological, and practical implications are discussed.

URL

https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1532-7795.2007.00539.x

Reference Type

Journal Article

Journal Title

Journal of Research on Adolescence

Author(s)

Crockett, Lisa
J
Brown, Jill
Russell, Stephen
T
Shen, Yuh-Ling

Year Published

2007

Volume Number

17

Issue Number

4

Pages

639-668

ISSN/ISBN

1050-8392

DOI

10.1111/j.1532-7795.2007.00539.x

Reference ID

6672