CONSERVATIONS OF ADOLESCENTS WITH PARENTS AND FRIENDS OF THE SAME AGE

Drawing upon assumptions concerning relationship development in adolescence as suggested by individuation theory, this study aimed to elucidate similarities and differences between early adolescents' verbal interactions with their parents and with friends. A total of 17 boys and 18 girls (mean age: 13.5 years) participated in structured interactions (a ''plan-something-together'' task) with father/mother and best friend, respectively. Drawing upon Powers' DECS, transcripts of the audio recordings were categorized. The analysis provided evidence for variations in interactional behaviors as a function of the type of situation. Despite some indications of adolescents' rebelliousness, parent-child interactions were more unilateral in nature than conversations among friends.