Confirmation from Family Members and Adolescent Self-Concept: Assessing the Contributions of Acceptance and Challenge from Mothers, Fathers, and Siblings

• In Event: Communication among Siblings

Abstract

This study employed confirmation theory to examine how communication with family members was related to adolescents’ self-concepts. 206 adolescents completed a general questionnaire, and a subset (n = 60) completed daily diaries regarding conversations with mothers, fathers, and siblings. Analyses showed both acceptance and challenge (proposed components of confirmation) played roles in predicting self-concept, but their roles varied by family member. Theoretical mechanisms were also assessed as mediators of the relationship between confirmation and self-concept.

Author

• Rene Dailey, University of Texas, Austin