A latent profile analysis of parent-adolescent communication in person and using communication technology.

Abstract

Despite the rapid changes in the use of communication technologies in families, research on how parents use communication technologies to stay connected with adolescents has been limited. Grounded in interdisciplinary theories in family and media studies, the primary aim of this study was to identify and describe unique patterns of parent-adolescent communication using parent reports of communication. Further, we considered whether parent-adolescent closeness was associated with parent-adolescent communication patterns. Participants were 404 dyads; one parent (M_age = 43.37; 61.9% female) and one adolescent (M_age = 15.32; 48.3% female) from the same family. Latent profile analysis supported a four-profile model of parent-adolescent communication. Profiles were characterized by communication frequency and preferred method of communication (i.e., in-person, phone calls, texts, video calls) across reasons for communicating (i.e., receive or offer advice and recommendations, emotional support, keep up-to-date, make plans). Demographic differences by parent race and marital status were found across different parent-adolescent communication profiles. Additionally, parent-adolescent communication profiles were associated with significantly different levels of parent reports of perceived closeness. Findings highlighting parents' perspectives on communication are essential to understanding how communication technologies can foster connections in parent-adolescent relationships. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved).