Unacceptable adolescent behavior and parent-adolescent conflict

An empirically-based theory identifies a systemic parent-adolescent conflict process as the major influence in the unacceptable behavior of adolescents fromgood-enough families. Qualitative research about concerned parents of acting-up teenagers provides: (1) a profile of the characteristics of the parents; (2) a multi-dimensional view of parental competence; (3) an analysis of the main components of the parent-adolescent conflict process; and, (4) a theory that perceived vulnerability provides a context in which the conflict process thrives. Practice implications of the theory, based on self-help group and clinical use, are shared.