This article focuses on topics during adolescence and discusses their implications for parent-adolescent communication.
Little is known about taboos between teenagers and their parents. This study investigated taboo themes during adolescence on the basis of 854 individuals. The study participants were given a list of 37 themes and asked to identify the themes that represented a taboo in their families. Compared to mid- and late adolescence, a significantly higher frequency of taboo themes was recorded in early adolescence. Thoughts of suicide and sexual fears were the predominant taboo topics in all age groups. Results suggest that themes concealed as taboos should be considered as important elements of the parent-adolescent communication. Recommendations for a constructive communication approach with teenagers are made.
