Adolescence Chapter 4

Family Systems Theory

A perspective on family functioning that emphasizes interconnections among different family relationships.

Generational Dissonance

Divergence of views between adolescents and parents that is common in families of immigrant parents and their American-born children.

Midlife Crisis

A psychological crisis over identity believed to occur between the ages of 35 and 45, the age range of most teenagers' parents.

Sibling Rivalry

Competition between siblings, often for parental attention.

Parental Responsiveness

One of the two important dimensions of parenting. Responsiveness refers to the parent responding to the child's need in a accepting and supportive manner.

Parental Demandingness

One of two important dimensions of parenting. Demandingness refers to the parent expectations of mature and responsible behavior from their child.

Indifferent Parents

Parents who are characterized by low levels of both the dimensions of parenting.

Indulgent Parents

Parents who are characterized by responsiveness but low demandingness. They are mainly concerned with the child's happiness.

Authoritarian Parents

Parents who use punitive, absolute and forceful discipline and regard obedience and conformity as a priority.

Authoritative Parents

Parents who use warmth, firm control and rational issue oriented discipline with development of self-direction a priority.

Self-Fulfilling Prophecy

The idea that an individual's behavior is influenced by expectations from others.