The nonlinear dynamics of family problem solving in adolescence: the predictive validity of a peaceful resolution attractor.
In this study we examined the videotaped family interactions of a community sample  of adolescents and their parents. Youths were assessed in early to late adolescence on their  levels of antisocial behavior. At age 16-17, youths and their parents were videotaped interacting  while completing a variety of tasks, including family problem solving. The interactions were coded  and compared for three developmental patterns of antisocial behavior: early onset, persistent;  adolescence onset; and typically developing. The mean duration of conflict bouts was the only  interaction pattern that discriminated the 3 groups. In the prediction of future antisocial behavior,  parent and youth reports of transition entropy and conflict resolution interacted to account for  antisocial behavior at age 18-19. Families with low entropy and peaceful resolutions predicted  low levels of youth antisocial behavior at age 18-19. These findings suggest the need to study  both attractors and repellers to understand family dynamics associated with health and social  and emotional development.
Arizona State University, Tempe AZ, USA.
Thomas J
TJ
Dishion
Marion
M
Forgatch
Mark
M
Van Ryzin
Charlotte
C
Winter
D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior / Q000523:psychology; D000987:Antisocial Personality Disorder / Q000523:psychology*; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003220:Conflict, Psychological; D005195:Family Relations; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D017711:Nonlinear Dynamics; D010287:Parent-Child Relations; D016487:Parenting / Q000523:psychology; D011340:Problem Solving; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D013997:Time Factors