
ERIC Number: ED451954
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2001-Apr
Pages: 9
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
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Relationship Features and Adolescents' Experience of Closeness in Relationships with Mothers, Fathers, and Friends.
Repinski, Daniel J.; Zook, Joan M.
Noting that during adolescence the importance of feeling intimate or close to a relationship partner (mothers, fathers, or friends) increases and that closeness to parents is associated with positive adolescent outcomes, this study examined how features of adolescent relationships are related to adolescents' experience of subjective closeness in relationships with mothers, fathers, and same-sex friends. Participating in the study were 64 seventh graders and 43 tenth graders from a rural school. All participants received parental consent and a stipend of $5.00 for completing a questionnaire regarding relationship features. Five relationship features were assessed: (1) frequency of interaction; (2) diversity of activities; (3) strength of influence; (4) positive and negative emotions; and (5) subjective closeness. Results of regression analyses indicated that relationship features predicted more variability in subjective closeness for tenth graders than for seventh graders, with emotional tone and the quality of interactions appearing to be salient relationship features. Relationship features predicted more variability in relationships with fathers than in relationships with mothers or friends for both age groups. Seventh graders' closeness to fathers was predicted by more frequent interaction with them and a larger diversity of activities. Tenth graders' closeness to fathers was predicted by experiencing positive emotions in the relationship. Seventh graders' closeness to mothers was predicted by greater frequency of interaction. Tenth graders' closeness to mothers was predicted by engaging in more diverse activities with them. Closeness in relationships with friends was predicted by the experience of positive emotions in this relationship for both age groups. (KB)
Publication Type: Reports - Research; Speeches/Meeting Papers
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
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