Teens Heed Warnings When Parents 'Walk the Walk'
Teens listen more when parents model values they preach, new research shows.
Why it matters
- Parents who live by their values have teens who perceive warnings as guidance.
- Understanding teen perspectives increases the effectiveness of parental warnings.
By the numbers
- Study involved 105 Israeli teens, average age 15.
- Teens who saw parents as genuine were less defiant.
The big picture
- Authentic parental behavior reduces defiance but doesn't stop risky behaviors alone.
- Parental empathy and perspective-taking are crucial for behavioral change.
What they're saying
- Reddit users note the common-sense nature of the findings.
- Some highlight the irony of parents not practicing what they preach.
Caveats
- Study sample is limited to Israeli teens.
- Findings based on self-reported data from teens.
What’s next
- Further research on diverse populations and long-term effects.