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When does being close to a parent make the biggest difference? Psychologists wanted to know, “Does bonding between parents and teens protect mental health?” “Does this change as teens grow? And do the effects differ based on the gender of the parent or the teen? 

Penn State researchers followed 380 primarily White American adolescents, ages 12 to 20, who completed questionaries on low self-esteem, depression, and worries about weight. Adolescents also rated how close they felt to their mothers and fathers.  

Results? The impact of parent-youth closeness changes over time depending upon both the teen’s and the parent’s gender. For example, a close bond with fathers helps both boys and girls feel better about themselves and worry less about weight and depression, especially during mid to late adolescence. Mother–child closeness is more linked to helping boys early on with body concerns and girls later with self-esteem.  

Parents! Build close relationships with each teen uniquely. Find activities you both enjoy.  
Show how to be a good friend, caring, and helpful. Parents model handling emotions and positive acts to initiate and maintain close relationships at every age, including during the teen years. Both parents play key roles!