Final answer:
The correct answer to which researchers found that boys experienced less positive emotion in family interactions at ages 12 and 13, and girls at 14 and 15, is c) Larson et al.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question asks who found that boys experienced less positive emotion in their family interactions at the ages of 12 and 13, and girls did the same at 14 and 15. The answer to this question is c) Larson et al.. This finding is supported by research presented in the study by Nolen-Hoeksema, Larson, & Grayson (1999) which investigated gender differences in depressive symptoms and provided insights into how adolescent boys and girls experience emotions within family interactions differently during their developmental stages.
Adolescence is a critical period for emotional and personality development, and it is characterized by significant changes and challenges. As students move through the stages of puberty and adjustment, they often encounter shifts in family dynamics. The work of Erik Erikson is also relevant here, as he proposed a psychosocial theory of development that emphasizes the ongoing nature of personality shaping through various life stages, which contrasts with Freud's focus on early childhood. However, it is the research by Larson and his colleagues that specifically addresses the question of age-related emotional experiences in family interactions among boys and girls.
Understanding these developmental changes can be essential for educators, parents, and mental health professionals as they provide support to adolescents navigating this complex stage of life. Recognizing the different emotional experiences of boys and girls can help tailor more effective communication strategies and support mechanisms during their respective ages of heightened vulnerability.