The Importance of Parental Physical Affection During

Adolescence and Teenage YearsJean-Marie Seeley-Hing

Abstract

• In this study we look at the relationship between parental physical affection in adolescent teenage boys as it relates to issues of attachment, aggression, sex, and use of drugs and alcohol.

Introduction

• Every human being needs and thrives on human touch.

• Why do so many parents withdraw physical affection from adolescent boys?

• Without the most basic human need of touch, children can seek affection and attention and more destructive ways

Method

• Fisher’s exact test• 32 participants• 16 men• 16 women• Age range 30 to 55

years old.

Results• Of the 16 men, 12 did not receive physical affection during adolescence and

teenage years, and 4 did receive physical affection during adolescence and teenage years. On the second questionnaire the twelve men that were raised without physical affection 10 or 80% of the twelve showed a positive relationship between not having physical affection as an adolescent and having used drugs, alcohol, sex, aggression, and attachment. The 4 men that were raised with physical affection showed no significant signs of these behaviors. Of the 16 women 12 received physical affection from their parents during adolescence and teenage years and 4 did not. Of the 12 women who were raised with physical affection 6 or 50% showed a relationship to using drugs, alcohol, sex, and aggression. The 4 women who did not receive physical affection 2 or 50% showed in a relationship towards aggression, sex, and the use of drugs alcohol. As I was focused on boys their was statistical significant as it meets APA minimum reliability standard of .80. The men who were raised without physical affection from their parents during adolescence and teenage years were 80 % more likely to engage in drugs, alcohol, sex, aggression, and difficulty with attachment.

Discussion

• This research question and survey suggests that there is a strong relationship between the physical affection a child receives during the most difficult and formative years of adolescence and teen and his ability to attach and participate less in destructive behaviors.

• “Poor parent-child relationships are associated with depression in adolescents. For young men, this may lead to more frequent use of alcohol, which is strongly linked with early sexual activity. For young women and men estrangement at home often leads them to seek and establish intimate relationships outside the family in order to experience the warmth and support they lack at home (Planned Parenthood, n.d.).

Conclusion• It is at this time when

establishing and maintaining a close relationship through open communication and expressing physical affection, even when children and young adults may not ask for the affection or express some discomfort. Everyone benefits from being touched. If dysfunctional behavior can decrease in patients with dementia then it is not far leap to expect that offering our children consistent physical affection would decrease dysfunctional and destructive behavior.