4-1 Discussion: Relationships
There are a variety of predictors for the development of healthy and unhealthy relationships during
adolescence. Often resulting from honesty, healthy communication, consent, trust, and being able to be
calm and understanding in the midst of arguments, children and adolescents can feel and display
respect for themselves and others in healthy relationships. On the other hand, unhealthy relationships
frequently feature a power imbalance, and one or both partners may struggle with communication and
anger control. Unhealthy relationships can even “become physically, emotionally, or sexually violent”
(Healthy relationships in adolescence: HHS Office of Population Affairs).
One of the most significant relationships in a child's life is their bond with their parents or other
primary caregivers, which frequently lasts well into adulthood. As adolescents get older and start to
make their own decisions and form a sense of their independence, this bond or relationship can
significantly change. Adolescents still depend on their parents or other caregivers for emotional support
and boundary setting, both of which are associated with healthy teenage development and parent-child
attachment, even though some degree of conflict between parents and children is common (Healthy
relationships in adolescence: HHS Office of Population Affairs). As children become older, parenting
changes from making decisions for the young children to assisting older children/adolescents in making
their own judgements while reducing the likelihood that they will participate in risky behavior.
