Sekseverschillen in de Sociale Competentie van Vroeg Adolescenten en de Mate van Conflict met Ouders

Abstract

Aim The aim of this study is to provide insight into the relationship between social competence of early adolescents and the degree of conflict with parents. This research also aims to give further insight into the gender differences among early adolescents regarding their social competencies, degree of conflict with parents, and the connection between those two factors. Method The study concerns a cross-sectional research. The sample includes 892 early adolescents, consisting of 427 boys and 459 girls. Respondents filled out questionnaires concerning social competence and the parent-child relationship. Results The correlation analysis shows that an early adolescent who is socially more competent, has less conflicts with parents. The results from the T-test show that boys are more socially competent than girls. We did not find any difference between boys and girls regarding the degree of conflict with parents. Using a hierarchical regression analysis with interaction effects, results show that there is no difference between boys and girls in the association between the early adolescents’ social competence and the extent of conflict with parents. Conclusion The findings of this study suggest that there is a relationship between social competence of early adolescents and the degree of conflict with parents. Results do not provide support for the anticipated moderating effect as gender differences do not influence this relationship. In short: Increasing the social competence of early adolescents can be a way to decrease conflicts with parents in this specific development phase.