BUILDING BRIDGES OR BARRIERS? PARENTAL MONITORING AND ADOLESCENT SELF-DISCLOSURE

Аннотация

This study investigates the complex relationship between parental monitoring and adolescent self-disclosure, aiming to determine whether parental monitoring serves as a bridge fostering open communication or as a barrier hindering it. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, we surveyed 300 adolescents aged 12 to 18 and conducted in-depth interviews with 30 participants to explore their perceptions of parental monitoring practices and their willingness to share personal information. Quantitative data were analyzed using regression analysis, revealing that certain forms of parental monitoring, particularly those characterized by supportive communication, are positively correlated with higher levels of self-disclosure among adolescents. Conversely, overly intrusive monitoring was associated with reduced self-disclosure. Qualitative insights underscored the importance of trust and open dialogue in facilitating healthy parent-adolescent relationships. The findings suggest that while parental monitoring is crucial for adolescent development, its effectiveness depends significantly on the nature of the monitoring practices employed. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of the dynamics between parents and adolescents in the context of communication, providing implications for fostering more effective parental engagement strategies. KEYWORDS Parental monitoring, Adolescent self-disclosure, Parent-adolescent communication, Trust in relationships, Mixed- methods research, Developmental psychology, Family dynamics.