The perceived impact of conflict on adolescent relationships

Abstract

Adolescents' perceptions of their daily conflicts in various relationships were examined. High school subjects responded to questionnaires delineating affective intensity and outcomes of disagreements from the previous school day with mothers, fathers, siblings, friends, and romantic partners, as well as other peers and adults. Contrary to stereotype, most adolescent conflicts were perceived as benign events with few positive or negative relationship consequences. Specific outcomes varied according to the relationship. Relative to others, conflicts with friends and romantic partners were more often associated with lower levels of negative affect, higher levels of continued social interaction, and improved relations following the dispute