Parent–child relationships continue to play a central role in shaping developmental outcomes well beyond childhood. During adolescence and emerging adulthood, communication patterns and interactions with parents influence social, emotional, and cognitive functioning, contributing to trajectories of adjustment, resilience, and well-being.

This Research Topic aims to advance understanding of the mechanisms through which the quality and nature of parent–child communication and interactions influence developmental outcomes from early adolescence through emerging adulthood (ages 11-25). We invite submissions that explore how parent–child exchanges evolve during this period of increasing independence and mutual adaptation, and how these interactions contribute to both short- and long-term developmental outcomes.

We welcome original research articles, review articles, systematic reviews, brief research reports, perspectives, theoretical papers, and methods articles that address the complexity of parent–child communication and interactions in diverse cultural, community, social, and family contexts. We especially encourage research that includes diverse samples, cultural approaches, innovative methods, and interdisciplinary work.

Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:

• How patterns of parental warmth, guidance, autonomy support, disclosure and conflict predict adolescents’ and young adults’ emotion regulation, identity formation, and prosocial behavior
• Bidirectional influences between parents and youth within and across different sociocultural contexts or settings
• Interventions or preventive approaches designed to enhance parent–adolescent communication and relationship quality to promote healthy adjustment
• The role of digital communication, social media, and online environments in shaping contemporary parent–youth interactions and communication
• Mechanisms of resilience and adaptation in the face of adversity, including family disruption, chronic stress, or societal challenges

Are you interested in contributing a manuscript to this Research Topic?

Communication and Connection in Parent–Adolescent Relationships: Links With Socioemotional Adjustment and Developmental Outcomes