Parent-Child Relationship, Family Structure, and Loneliness Among Adolescents

Citation

Antognoli-Toland, P. L. (2001). Parent-Child Relationship, Family Structure, and Loneliness Among Adolescents. Adolescent and Family Health. vol. 2 (1) pp. 20-26

Abstract

Analyzed the variables of parental connectedness, presence, and activities and family type with covariates of age and gender as predictors of adolescent loneliness. Data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health provided the study sample of 5,201 adolescents, with 1,750 adolescents reporting loneliness. Logistic regression procedure was used to analyze the main effects and interaction terms of the study variables. Results indicate that lonely adolescents were older and female. Ss from one-parent and blended families were more likely to be lonely when compared to those from intact families. Ss who felt less support from their parents, had fewer opportunities to be with parents throughout the day, and participated in fewer activities with parents were more likely to be lonely. When the interaction between parent-child relationship factors and family type was considered in the logistic regression model the risk for loneliness was reduced. The findings in this study emphasize the importance of the continuing need for parental attention, especially in situations of changed family structure. Along with gender and age, parent-child relationship factors and family structure are important predictors of adolescent loneliness

Keyword(s)

parent

Reference Type

Journal Article

Journal Title

Adolescent and Family Health

Author(s)

Antognoli-Toland, P. L.

Year Published

2001

Volume Number

Issue Number

Pages

20-26

ISSN/ISBN

1533-9890

DOI