In a study of over 1,800 parents of adolescents from diverse cultural and ethnic groups, Barber (1994) found that conflicts occurred primarily over day-to-day issues such as homework, money, curfews, clothing, chores, and friends, rather than major ideological disputes.

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The idea of "adolescent storm and stress," originally proposed by G. Stanley Hall, posits that adolescence is a period of intense turmoil. However, contemporary research largely refutes this, showing it to be an overstatement for most teens. Studies indicate that only a small number of adolescents have major conflicts with their parents. Most disagreements are minor, centering on daily issues like homework, money, curfews, and chores, and these conflicts tend to lessen as the adolescent matures.

Adolescent Storm and Stress: An Overstated Concept

Spielman, R. M., Jenkins, W. J., & Lovett, M. D. (2020, April 22). Psychology (2nd ed.). OpenStax. https://openstax.org/books/psychology-2e/pages/1-introduction

OpenStax Psychology (2nd ed.) Textbook

A parent of a 12-year-old is anxious about the upcoming teenage years, expecting a period of intense rebellion, emotional turmoil, and major conflicts over core values. Based on contemporary research regarding adolescent development, what is the most probable reality this parent will face?

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