Final answer:
The statement that parent-adolescent conflict is universal and 'natural' due to biological and cognitive changes in adolescence is false. Research indicates that while some conflicts do occur, they typically revolve around day-to-day issues, decrease as teens grow, and do not characterize the majority of the parent-adolescent relationship.
Step-by-step explanation:
Based on the biological and cognitive changes of adolescence, it is a common belief that parent-adolescent conflict is universal and inevitable. However, this statement is considered to be false. While adolescence is indeed a time of significant biological and cognitive changes, leading to a stronger sense of personal identity and a pull away from parental figures, major conflicts with parents are not experienced by most teens. Studies, such as those by Barber (1994) and Galambos & Almeida (1992), have shown that while conflicts do occur, they tend to be about day-to-day issues and decrease as teens grow older. Moreover, adolescents generally view arguments as a means of self-expression in their journey to form their identities.
The peer group becomes very important in adolescence, and although adolescents spend less time with their parents during this period, most report positive feelings towards them. Healthy parent-child relationships are associated with positive outcomes. It is therefore inaccurate to assume that parent-adolescent conflict is a natural or necessary part of adolescence; rather, it varies between families and cultures and tends to involve more mundane, everyday disagreements.