Peer and Maternal Relationship Predictors of Adolescent Romantic Conflict Resolution

The objective of the current study was to examine whether change in adolescent conflict resolution in romantic relationships is predicted by adolescents\u27 prior interactions with mothers and friends. A community sample of 191 adolescents (96 female), representative of the U.S. population, their mothers and close friends participated in this study. Data collection began when adolescents were in 10th grade (¬Average age = 15.9, SD = .52) and continued for the next five and a half years. Results indicated that teens engaged in positive problem solving, withdrawal, and compliance far more frequently than in aggressive conflict resolution strategies. Hierarchical linear modeling was used to analyze growth curves. Results indicated linear increases in problem solving and withdrawal over the course of late adolescence and early adulthood. Levels of compliance, verbal aggression, and physical aggression stayed the same on average. Of all predictors examined in this study, teens\u27 negative interactions and observed conflict with friends appeared particularly predictive of conflict resolution behavior with a romantic partner in 10th grade. Support and communication skills with friends and mothers were predictive of conflict resolution behavior over time. Implications and directions for future research are discussed