Final answer:
Miscommunication between teens and adults can occur due to differences in communication styles, generation gap, and the influence of peers.
Step-by-step explanation:
Miscommunication between teens and adults may occur based on several factors observed in the McLeon study. One factor is the difference in communication styles between different racial and ethnic groups.
For example, the study found that African Americans tend to communicate more assertively than European Americans. This difference in communication style can lead to misunderstandings and misinterpretations between teens and adults from different backgrounds.
Another factor contributing to miscommunication is the generation gap between teens and adults. Adolescents often view arguments as a means of self-expression, while adults may interpret teen behavior as a personal attack.
Teens may argue with their parents to establish their own identity rather than to annoy them. This difference in perspective can lead to conflict and misunderstanding between teens and adults.
Furthermore, adolescents are more influenced by their peers than their parents when making decisions. As teens strive to establish their own sense of identity and independence, they often turn to their peer group for guidance and validation.
This preference for peer influence over parental influence can lead to a lack of effective communication and understanding between teens and adults.