Relations between parents and their children have always been an ongoing issue for various researchers. The fact is that there are numerous works devoted to the investigation of the main behavioral patterns used by these actors and the impact environmental factors might have on this very sphere. Modern science assumes the existence of significant differences in the way adolescents and their parents interact in various states. Thus, the paper Parent-Adolescent Relationships and Adolescent Independence in the United States and Denmark also revolves around the given issue and evaluates the most common patterns that exist nowadays.
The authors state that the problem of interaction between these actors is extremely topical for the coherent society as it determines relations within a family and impacts the young peoples mentality. In this regard, the main aim of the given study is to compare and contrast the main behavioral patterns peculiar to these states and make certain conclusions. The authors provide the hypothesis which asserts that different family patterns might be determined by differences in early child-rearing methods that exist between these two states (Kandel & Lesser, 1969). Moreover, Kandel & Lesser (1969) also state that the interrelationship between these patterns and consequence for adolescent socialization follow the same trends in these countries.
The study presents qualitative research that is focused on the collection of the data needed to evaluate the relations between parents and adolescents and admit its main traits. Several variables pose a great interest to investigators. These are the level of authority, independence, and distribution between these patterns in the USA and Denmark (Kandel & Lesser, 1969). Under these conditions, family patterns could be considered the dependent variable that is influenced by the level of authority and feeling of independence.
To obtain the needed data, the authors collect materials from all students in three high schools in the USA ( 2327 participants) and 12 secondary schools in Denmark (1552 participants) (Kandel & Lesser, 1969). Additionally, students mothers also provided the information needed to conduct the research. The samples for the study included schools in different ecological settings to obtain a clear image of the impact rural or urban environment might have on a person. The given sampling method could be considered efficient enough as it provides the basis for numerous debates and guarantees credible results. All participants in the study were given a special questionnaire created by the authors. It included a set of questions needed to obtain the significant data and evaluate the family patterns peculiar to a certain state.
The results of the given study prove the investigators assumptions. The data obtained in the course of the research helps them to conclude that family patterns might be impacted by environmental factors. However, there are also some similarities in the way interrelations between adolescents and parents evolve in these states. They are predetermined by the similar distribution of authority in families.
In conclusion, the paper could be considered an informative work that provides a comprehensive analysis of the most important aspects of the relations between adolescents and their parents in the USA and Denmark. The authors managed to use the most appropriate methods to obtain credible results and contribute to a better understanding of the given issue. Altogether, the research should be considered while speaking about the most important patterns in the relations between children and adults.
Reference
Kandel, D., & Lesser, G. (1969). Parent-Adolescent Relationships and Adolescent Independence in the United States and Denmark. Journal of Marriage and the family, 348-358.