Work

Patterns of Adolescent Regulatory Responses During Family Conflict and Mental Health Trajectories

Year: 2016

Type: article

Abstract: Four distinct patterns of adolescents' behavioral, emotional, and physiological responses to family conflict were identified during mother-father-adolescent (M = 13.08 years) interactions. Most youth displayed adaptively regulated patterns comprised of low overt and subjective distress. Under-controlled adolescents exhibited elevated observable and subjective anger. Over-controlled adolescents were withdrawn and reported heightened subjective distress. Physiologically reactive adolescents had elevated cortisol coupled with low overt and subjective distress. Regulation patterns were associated with unique mental health trajectories. Under-controlled adolescents had elevated conduct and peer problems whereas over-controlled adolescents had higher anxiety and depressive symptoms. Physiologically reactive adolescents had low concurrent, but increasing levels of depressive, anxiety, and peer problem symptoms. Findings underscore the importance of examining organizations of regulatory strategies in contributing to adolescent mental health.

Source: Journal of Research on Adolescence

DOI: 10.1111/jora.12269

Authors: Kalsea J. Koss, E. Mark Cummings, Patrick T. Davies, Dante Cicchetti

Institutions: Vanderbilt University, University of Notre Dame, University of Rochester, University of Minnesota, University of Minnesota Rochester

Language: English

Topic: Child and Adolescent Psychosocial and Emotional Development

Subfield: Clinical Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funders: American Psychological Foundation, National Institute of Mental Health