Understanding Strengths in Adolescent–Parent Relationships: A Qualitative Analysis of Adolescent Speech Samples

Although adolescents’ perspective on the parent-adolescent relationship uniquely predicts their mental health and wellbeing, there is limited research using qualitative methodologies to explore rich descriptions of adolescents’ expectations, attitudes, and beliefs towards parents. The current study qualitatively analyzed adolescent narratives regarding their relationships with their parents. Seventy-two adolescents (68% female; M age = 16.56) provided three-minute speech samples that were examined using thematic analysis to understand key themes in adolescent–parent relationships from adolescents’ perspectives. Overall, adolescents valued positive relationships with parents (involving emotional support and companionship), respected their authority, and looked to parents to role-model–valued traits. Mentions of negative interactions were mostly absent or justified as normal. Thus, normative adolescent–parent relationships are largely positive and valued by adolescents.