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CHAPTER 4 FAMILIES
We're now into the second part of the course! In this chapter, Steinberg cites a LOT of research on families, many of which have different-- at times contradictory-- findings. Don't be confused, don't panic. Towards the end of each section, Steinberg summarizes and integrates these studies into one or two main "take-home" messages. Again, refer to the RECAPS! See if you are able to grasp these main points.
1. Is there a significant GENERATION GAP between adolescents and their parents? In what aspects are there intergenerational differences (or "gaps")? In what aspects are adolescents and their parents similar?
2. Rather than having a "storm-y and stress-ful" relationship, parents and adolescents more frequently argue about everyday, mundane issues. Why is this so, according to Smetana?
3. How do FAMILY SYSTEMS theorists define the family? According to this view, what happens in the family when there are changes in family members (such as in adolescence) or family circumstances?
4. What are the CRISES occurring in the life of the middle-aged parent that parallel the crises and concerns of adolescents? How do these affect the parent-adolescent relationship?
5. What are some typical changes in family needs and functions that co-occur with the child's entry into the adolescent stage?
6. How do family relationships change during adolescence? For example, in terms of parent-child interactions and parent influence?
7. Describe Baumrind's four PARENTING STYLES or PATTERNS. Which pattern is most associated with children's positive psychological development?
8. What are the core components of AUTHORITATIVE parenting? What are the processes by which this parenting style may lead to positive development in adolescents? (Hint: there are three)
9. Are there differences in the prevalent parenting practices in different ethnic groups/cultures? Give examples. Is the relationship between parenting style and adolescent outcome the same across cultures?
10. Studies have shown that well-adjusted and competent adolescents experience both AUTONOMY and ATTACHMENT in the family. How are autonomy and attachment expressed in family interactions?
11. Are siblings more similar or different in adolescence? According to behavior genetics, what accounts for similarities and differences among siblings?
12. What are the four major trends and changes in family structure in modern U.S. society?
13. Are two parents better for children's development than a single parent? What are the factors that are more important than the number of parents in determining adolescent adjustment to divorce?
14. What are the long-term effects of divorce on adolescents? Why is it that some of the negative effects of divorce only surface during adolescence (even when divorce occurred earlier)?
15. Adolescents whose parents remarry are more vulnerable to poor adjustment and behavior problems. Why is this so? (Hint: recall Family Systems theory)
16. What are the effects of mothers' employment for adolescent girls? Adolescent boys? Why may there be different effects for boys and girls (with boys being affected more negatively)?