A Comparative Case Study of the Content and Functions of Difficult Father-Adolescent Conversations

• In Event: 72.050 - Poster Session 17
  In Poster Session: 72.050-1 - Adolescent Adjustment: Peer, Family, and School Contexts

Abstract

The goal of this study was to explore father-adolescent conversations on difficult topics as a means of socializing and supporting adolescents. We conducted case-studies of 4 father-adolescent dyads (2 Mexican-origin, 2 European-origin). We observed their conversations on difficult topics of their choice and conducted separate interviews. We used a micro-level coding system to code 293 father conversational utterances and identified their functions in relation to adolescents’ comments, and we used grounded theory to identify 4 themes across the dyads: fathers’ efforts to teach or advise, fathers’ willingness to show vulnerability, adolescents’ reluctance to discuss sad topics, and adolescents’ desire to know fathers’ thoughts. Our results provide insights for future, larger-scale studies that may inform educational and social interventions for parents.

Authors

• Marie-Anne Suizzo, The University of Texas - Austin

• Molly Ellen McManus, The University of Texas at Austin