CONFLICT AND SOCIAL-INTERACTION IN ADOLESCENT RELATIONSHIPS

Differences between adolescent relationships in self-reported patterns of daily conflict and social interaction were identified. High school sophomores and juniors completed questionnaires detailing perceptions of exchanges in various relationships from the previous school day. An average of 7.74 daily conflicts were reported. Conflict, defined in terms of interpersonal disagreement, was most frequent with mothers, followed by friends, romantic partners, siblings, fathers, and other adults and peers. Levels of social interaction did not account for relationship differences in conflict, as more social interaction was reported with peers than family members. Relationship differences also arose in topics of disagreement. Conflict with parents centered on responsibilities, school, and autonomy, whereas that with peers concerned friendship and heterosexuality. The results support claims that conflict is an integral component of adolescent close relationships, underscoring areas of mutual interdependence between participants that require integration of goals and behaviors.