Autonomy, responsiveness/demandingness and legitimacy of parental authority to adolescents and their parents

Abstract This study compared the assessment of parents and their children on the variables adolescent autonomy, parental responsiveness and demandingness and the legitimacy of parental authority. The participants were 36 parents and their teens. A sociodemographic questionnaire, the Autonomy Questionnaire, the Parenting Styles Scale, and the Legitimacy of Parental Authority Questionnaire were used. Descriptive and inferential analyses were made. Results showed average levels of adolescent autonomy and high levels of parental responsiveness and demandingness. Differences were found in the perceptions of parents and children about the level of adolescent’s autonomy, parental responsiveness and demandingness and assignment of legitimacy of parental authority. Results illustrate the dynamics of the autonomy development in a sample of middle to high socioeconomic status, with good levels of family relation. The importance of balance between affection and demandingness in family dynamics is highlighted for the development of adolescent autonomy.