Question

Parents often feel that, as their child gets older, the child shares less intimacy with them. Which statement about the intimacy between parents and adolescents is true?

A. Adolescents become less intimate with peers during this period.

B. Adolescence is noted for a decrease in parent/child intimacy.

C. The intimacy the child has with the parent stays about the same through adolescence as it was in childhood.

D. Adolescence is noted for an increase in parent/child intimacy.

Answer 1

During adolescence, adolescents tend to become less intimate with their parents and prioritize relationships with peers. However, most teenagers still have positive feelings toward their parents.

Step-by-step explanation:

During adolescence, as adolescents work to form their identities, they tend to become less intimate with their parents and prioritize their relationships with peers (Shanahan et al., 2007). This is a natural part of development and is associated with the increased awareness of sexuality and the importance of romantic relationships during this period (Hair et al., 2005; Figure 23.7.7). However, it is important to note that most teenagers still report positive feelings toward their parents and warm parent-child relationships have been associated with positive outcomes in various countries (Moore et al., 2004).