Searching for a sense of purpose: The role of parents and effects on self‐esteem among female adolescents. Issue 5 (30th July 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Blattner, Meghan C.C.; Liang, Belle; Lund, Terese; Spencer, Renee
• Is Part Of: Journal of adolescence. Volume 36:Issue 5(2013)
• Page Start: 839
• Page End: 848
• Publication Date: 2013-07-30
• Subjects: Positive youth development -- Sense of purpose -- Parent–child relationships -- Self‐esteem; Adolescent psychiatry -- Periodicals; Adolescent psychology -- Periodicals; Adolescence -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 305.23505
• DOI: 10.1016/j.adolescence.2013.06.008
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0140-1971

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Achieving a sense of purpose during adolescence is a developmental asset; however, searching for that purpose may be a developmental stressor. Supportive parent–child relationships may help youth during this stressful experience. The present study included 207 female students in the sixth, eighth, and tenth grades from two competitive private schools. Searching for purpose negatively predicted self‐esteem. Hierarchical linear regression examined moderating effects of parental trust and alienation on searching for purpose as a predictor of self‐esteem. Parental alienation significantly moderated the association between search for purpose and girls' self‐esteem; conversely, parental trust did not moderate the association. Results suggest that parent–child relationships characterized by high levels of parental alienation may exacerbate the pernicious effects of search for purpose. Person‐based analyses found four clusters corresponding to Foreclosed Purpose, Diffused Purpose, Uncommitted Purpose/Moratorium, and Achieved Purpose. We discuss implications for practice and research based on these results.