Emotional Bonds: A New Lens on the Role of Parent-Adolescent Relationship Quality in Adolescent Well-Being

Abstract

Parent-adolescent relationships are traditionally assessed through dimensions such as warmth, conflict, and support, but the emotional experiences within parent-adolescent interactions remain understudied. This study examined adolescents’ emotional experiences during interactions with a parent, their association with relationship quality, and their role in predicting well-being over time. A sample of 96 adolescents (Mage=15.6 years, 43.3% boys) reported on the emotions they experienced during interactions with their parent, parent-adolescent relationship quality (connectedness and hostility), as well as on their well-being monthly over 6 months. Adolescents reported more positive than negative emotions. Hierarchical regression analyses indicated that positive emotions were associated with greater connectedness and lower hostility. Negative emotions were not significantly associated with relationship quality. Longitudinal analyses showed that positive emotions predicted higher overall well-being but not changes in well-being over time. Interventions targeting parent-adolescent relationships may benefit from nurturing positive emotional exchanges to strengthen relationship quality and support well-being.