Parental Tolerance and Self-Concept Clarity during Adolescence: Bi-directional Associations over Time

Abstract

Background: This study investigates the possible bidirectional associations between adolescent self-concept clarity (SCC) and parental tolerance (PT) over a period of five years. SCC is a crucial aspect of identity development: It is negatively related to internalizing problems and positively related to well-being in adolescents. Existing research on SCC and its associations with parenting effects is still scarce: No study has yet investigated the associations between SCC and PT. Method: Data from the first and the last wave of the five-year research project CONflict and MAnagement of Relationships (CONAMORE) were used. The sample consisted of 1.230 Dutch adolescents (47.4% boys, M¬¬age T1 = 14.37, SD = 2.33) from 12 middle schools in the Netherlands. Adolescents reported on SCC and PT by filling out questionnaires. Results: Multiple regression analyses showed that PT at T1 positively predicted SCC at T5, controlling for SCC at T1 and for gender differences. Inversely, SCC at T1 positively predicted PT at T5, controlling for PT at T1. Discussion: Results of this study supported the expectation of bidirectional associations between SCC and PT over time. PT appeared to be a predictor of change in SCC in adolescents, which a crucial aspect of adolescents’ identity development. SCC also predicted PT over time, which is an innovative aspect of this study.