Family Relational Values in the Parent-Adolescent Relationship

This study measured the relational family values system of upper-middle-class mothers, fathers, and adolescents in the United States. Results revealed that participants shared common family values that mainly reflected the importance of individualism, equality in family relationships, family member interdependence, and parental guidance. Parent-adolescent relational values agreement patterns in families with early, middle, and late adolescents demonstrated high levels of agreement. The authors explore how this sample provides a basis by which to compare relational family values in other subcultures in future research and how using this measure can enhance culturally competent counseling.