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Electrical Brain Activity, Family Functioning, and Parent–Adolescent Conflict Communication

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Abstract

As family conflict tends to escalate during the adolescent years, the subsequent effects of adolescence on parent–child dynamics are systemically experienced, both intra- and inter-personally. As such, widening the scope of literature targeted towards better understanding the parent–adolescent conflict relationship is merited. To offer a more gestalt view of parent–adolescent conflict processes, the present study takes a biopsychosocial view of the mother–father–adolescent relationship by considering electrical brain activity using electroencephalography technology. Specifically, electrical brain activity was recorded during two problem-solving family discussions between a mother, father, and adolescent child. Data is analyzed from a pilot study of 11 triads, for a total of 33 participants, examining the statistical relationships between brain waves and self-reported measures of family functioning and distress. Findings suggest that hemispheric lateralization occurs during parent–adolescent problem-solving discussions thus reminding therapists of the importance in using a biopsychosocial lens when assisting families.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Youth, Family, and Community Sciences, North Carolina State University, NCSU Campus Box 7606, Raleigh, NC, 27695, USA

    Nichole Huff

  2. Department of Family Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA

    Ronald Werner-Wilson

  3. Department of Child and Family Studies, University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS, USA

    Claire Kimberly

Authors
  1. Nichole Huff
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  2. Ronald Werner-Wilson
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  3. Claire Kimberly
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Correspondence to Nichole Huff.

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Huff, N., Werner-Wilson, R. & Kimberly, C. Electrical Brain Activity, Family Functioning, and Parent–Adolescent Conflict Communication. Contemp Fam Ther 36, 409–416 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10591-014-9307-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10591-014-9307-5

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