Social Cognitive Domain Differences in Adolescent Information Management

Although differences in adolescent disclosure about their everyday activities to mothers and fathers are well-documented, less research has examined heterogeneity in disclosure, particularly to both parents jointly. Using latent profile analysis, this one-year longitudinal study examined patterns of adolescent disclosure to both parents across personal, multifaceted, and prudential issues, as defined within social-cognitive domain theory, as well as links to adjustment. The sample included 214 U.S. middle-class middle adolescents (Mage = 15.96, SD = .83, 103 males). Adolescents completed surveys measuring disclosure to and relationship quality with each parent and adolescent adjustment over one year.