Keeping Secrets From Parents: Longitudinal Associations of Secrecy in Adolescence

Authors: Frijns, Tom; Finkenauer, Catrin; Vermulst, Ad; Engels, Rutger

Source: Journal of Youth and Adolescence, Volume 34, Number 2, April 2005 , pp. 137-148(12)

Publisher: Springer

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Abstract:

A 2-wave survey study among 1173 10–14-year-olds tested the longitudinal contribution of secrecy from parents to psychosocial and behavioral problems in adolescence. Additionally, it investigated a hypothesized contribution of secrecy from parents to adolescent development by examining its relation with self-control. Results showed that keeping secrets from parents is associated with substantial psychosocial and behavioral disadvantages in adolescence even after controlling for possible confounding variables, including communication with parents, trust in parents, and perceived parental supportiveness. Contrary to prediction, secrecy was also negatively associated with feelings of self-control. Secrecy from parents thus appears to be an important risk factor for adolescent psychosocial well-being and behavioral adjustment.

Keywords: secrecy; psychosocial problems; well-being; adjustment

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10964-005-3212-z

Affiliations: 1: Department of Social Psychology, Free University, Van der Boechorststraat 1, 1081, BT, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, Email: t.frijns@psy.vu.nl

Publication date: 2005-04-01