This study explored the relationship between parental psychological flexibility, parenting and adolescent outcomes. The term 'psychological flexibility' refers to a series of processes that assist individuals to take action even when those actions are accompanied by difficult thoughts, memories, emotions or sensations. The study found that parents who have higher psychological flexibility use fewer ineffective parenting strategies even when they are experiencing negative thoughts and feelings; and that their adolescents have fewer behavioural difficulties. Outcomes from this research add to our understanding of factors with potential to strengthen the parent-adolescent relationship and reduce the risk for behavioural difficulties during adolescence. This understanding could result in significant changes to prevention and intervention approaches for youth.
History
Thesis type
Thesis (PhD)
Thesis note
Thesis submitted for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy, Swinburne University of Technology, 2013.