Family Problem-Solving and Attachment Quality: Associations With Adolescent Risk-Taking Behavior

Authors

Angela Keyzers, University of MinnesotaFollow
Lindsey Weiler, University of MinnesotaFollow
Shelley Haddock, Colorado State UniversityFollow
Jennifer Doty, University of FloridaFollow

Abstract

Close parent–child relationships are protective against the development of delinquent behavior. By creating a context for open communication and trust, parents positively influence adolescent development. The current study examined the associations among attachment quality, family problem-solving, and adolescent risk-taking behavior, as well as the mediating effect of family problem-solving on the relationship between attachment quality and adolescent risk-taking behavior. Participants included 520 adolescents (ages 10 to 19, M = 14.24) and their parents or guardians (N = 520). Two path analyses were conducted to test study hypotheses. As predicted, attachment quality was negatively associated with parent and adolescent perceptions of adolescent risk-taking behavior and positively related to family problem-solving ability, after controlling for age, gender, and race/ethnicity. Contrary to our hypothesis, family problem-solving ability did not mediate the effect of attachment quality on parent or youth perceptions of adolescent risk-taking behavior. Preventive interventions that encourage warm, supportive bonds between parents and youth may aid families in deterring youth from negative risk-taking behavior. Further research should examine other family-level factors that might influence adolescent risk-taking via direct and indirect pathways.

Recommended Citation

Keyzers, Angela; Weiler, Lindsey; Haddock, Shelley; and Doty, Jennifer (2019) "Family Problem-Solving and Attachment Quality: Associations With Adolescent Risk-Taking Behavior," Journal of Youth Development: Vol. 14: Iss. 1, Article 5.
DOI: 10.5195/jyd.2019.637
Available at: https://open.clemson.edu/jyd/vol14/iss1/5