| Description |
While much is known about parent-adolescent relationships, less attention has been given to the interactions of mothers and adolescent daughters, particularly within the relational communication perspective. Combining the relational communication approach with qualitative interaction analysis, this study examines the conversational interactions of forty mother and adolescent daughter (between the ages of 14 and 18) dyads. Using a condensed version of the Network of Relationships Inventory (NRI), participants reported on their relational satisfaction, closeness, and support (SCS). Mother and daughter interactions were videotaped in participants' homes as they discussed four topics relevant to mother-daughter relationships. Transcripts of the interaction were coded according to the Relational Communication Control Coding System (RCCCS) and analyzed using statistical procedures and lag sequential analysis. This study expands relational control applications by exploring patterns of relational control and support in mother-adolescent daughter relationships in general, and according to differences between higher and lower SCS groups. Following the case comparison method, predominant patterns and episodes were analyzed qualitatively to elaborate on dialogic behaviors and nuances. Results indicate mother-adolescent daughter interactions in this study are characterized by daughters' higher domineeringness and dominance and mothers' greater submissiveness. Overall, mothers were more supportive than daughters, while mothers. |
