| Nonlinear Dynamics, Psychology, and Life Sciences, Vol. 16, Iss. 3, Jul, 2012, pp. 331-352 @2012 Society for Chaos Theory in Psychology & Life Sciences The Nonlinear Dynamics of Family Problem Solving in Adolescence: The Predictive Validity of a Peaceful Resolution Attractor Abstract: In this study we examined the videotaped family interactions of a community sample
of adolescents and their parents. Youths were assessed in early to late adolescence on their
levels of antisocial behavior. At age 16-17, youths and their parents were videotaped interacting
while completing a variety of tasks, including family problem solving. The interactions were coded
and compared for three developmental patterns of antisocial behavior: early onset, persistent;
adolescence onset; and typically developing. The mean duration of conflict bouts was the only
interaction pattern that discriminated the 3 groups. In the prediction of future antisocial behavior,
parent and youth reports of transition entropy and conflict resolution interacted to account for
antisocial behavior at age 18-19. Families with low entropy and peaceful resolutions predicted
low levels of youth antisocial behavior at age 18-19. These findings suggest the need to study
both attractors and repellers to understand family dynamics associated with health and social
and emotional development. Keywords: coercion theory, entropy, antisocial behavior, nonlinear dynamics |