Changes in the relationship between an interviewee and their parent or guardian usually do not come from a single cause, but from several overlapping psychological, social and situational factors over time. Below is a structured way to “critically discuss” these possible causes, as you’d do in a Life Orientation or social sciences answer.

1. Developmental changes in the interviewee

As the child grows into a teenager and young adult, their developmental stage often reshapes the relationship.

  • During adolescence, the young person starts seeking independence, making more of their own decisions and questioning rules.
  • This can lead to more disagreements about friends, school, clothes, social media, going out, and use of time.
  • Emotionally, teenagers are often more sensitive and reactive, which can make minor conflicts feel bigger and more personal.
  • Cognitive development (more advanced thinking) means they compare their parents to others, question fairness, and may challenge authority.

Critical point: These changes are not necessarily a sign of a “bad” relationship, but part of normal development. However, if the parent struggles to adapt (for example, staying very strict or very controlling), a normal push for independence can turn into serious conflict and emotional distance.

2. Shifts in the parent or guardian’s circumstances

Parents’ own lives also change, and this can strongly affect the bond.

Possible changes on the parent’s side

  • Increased work stress or unemployment (less time, more irritability, emotional unavailability).
  • New relationships or remarriage (stepfamilies, perceived “replacement” or divided attention).
  • Health problems, mental health difficulties, or substance abuse.
  • Financial pressure, relocation, or migration (e.g., parent working away from home).

These factors can:

  • Reduce parental warmth and availability.
  • Increase irritability, harsh discipline, or emotional withdrawal.
  • Make the young person feel neglected, unimportant, or unfairly treated.

Critical point: Even if the parent “means well,” the interviewee experiences the effects (less time, more shouting, or more absence). From the interviewee’s perspective, this may feel like rejection, even when the parent is actually overwhelmed rather than uncaring.

3. Communication patterns and conflict management

How the interviewee and parent communicate often determines whether changes become constructive or damaging.

Unhelpful patterns

  • Shouting, blaming, or using hurtful language during disagreements.
  • Parents not listening, interrupting, or dismissing the interviewee’s feelings.
  • The interviewee bottling up emotions, becoming passive-aggressive, or withdrawing.
  • Using silence, stonewalling, or avoidance instead of talking through problems.

More constructive patterns

  • Calm discussions, clear rules, and reasons for decisions.
  • Active listening on both sides.
  • Apologising when wrong, and negotiating where appropriate.

Critical discussion: Even normal disagreements become harmful when communication is poor. A family might face the same external problem (for example, stricter rules or a move to a new school), but if they can talk openly and respectfully, the relationship often strengthens; if they shout, criticise, or avoid each other, trust and closeness usually decline.

4. Changing roles, expectations and power

As the interviewee gets older, roles and expectations shift, and this can create tension.

  • Parents may still expect obedience “like a child,” while the interviewee expects to be treated “like an adult.”
  • There can be clashes over responsibilities (chores, academic performance, care of younger siblings).
  • Parents may expect gratitude and compliance because of what they’ve sacrificed.
  • The interviewee may expect more freedom, privacy, and a voice in decisions.

Examples of role and expectation clashes:

  • A guardian expects top grades, but the interviewee wants to pursue a different career path.
  • A parent expects traditional gender roles, while the interviewee rejects them.
  • The parent continues to make decisions on friendships, clothing, or social life that the interviewee feels are personal choices.

Critical point: Many changes in the relationship come from a power re- negotiation. If parents adjust their style (from controlling to more guiding), the relationship can mature. If they cling to control or the interviewee rebels harshly, the relationship can deteriorate.

5. Cultural, generational and value differences

Differences in values, culture, and generation can also cause shifts.

  • Parents may have traditional or conservative values, while the interviewee is influenced by modern, global, or social-media-driven norms.
  • There may be differences in views on relationships, sexuality, gender roles, religion, or politics.
  • Technology (phones, social media, gaming) can be a big source of misunderstanding: parents may see it as disrespectful or dangerous, while the interviewee sees it as normal social life.

Critical discussion:

  • These differences are not “wrong” by themselves, but they can create emotional distance if one side refuses to understand the other.
  • If parents label the interviewee as “disobedient” or “lost,” and the interviewee sees parents as “controlling” or “outdated,” mutual respect breaks down.
  • Conversely, when both sides are willing to learn from each other, the relationship may actually grow more open and honest.

6. Past experiences: trauma, attachment and trust

The history of the relationship matters. Past events can change the emotional foundation between the interviewee and their parent or guardian.

Possible impactful experiences

  • Divorce, separation, or frequent partner changes.
  • Death of a family member or loved one.
  • Past abuse (physical, emotional, or sexual) or neglect.
  • Exposure to domestic violence, substance abuse, or criminal behaviour.
  • Parent or guardian leaving for long periods (migration, imprisonment, or work away from home).

These can lead to:

  • Attachment difficulties: the interviewee may become clingy, anxious, or very distant.
  • Distrust: the interviewee may feel the parent cannot protect or understand them.
  • Role reversal: the interviewee may feel forced to “be the adult,” caring for siblings or even the parent.

Critical point: When we “critically discuss” the relationship, we must acknowledge that current behaviour (for example, disrespect or coldness from the interviewee) might actually be a reaction to earlier hurt, betrayal, or inconsistency from the parent or guardian.

7. Peer influence and social environment

Friends, school, and the broader environment can also shape changes.

  • As the interviewee spends more time with peers, their loyalty and identity may shift from family to friendship groups.
  • If friends have strained relationships with their own parents, they may normalise disrespect or distance.
  • Bullying, academic pressure, or social rejection at school can make the interviewee more irritable, secretive, or withdrawn at home.
  • In some cases, peer groups encourage risky behaviours (substance use, staying out late), increasing conflict and control from parents.

Critical discussion: Peer influence is powerful but not absolute. Strong, supportive parental relationships can protect against negative peer pressure; weak relationships often make the interviewee rely more heavily on peers, which can widen the gap with parents.

8. The interviewee’s mental and emotional health

The emotional state of the interviewee can also change how they relate to a parent or guardian.

  • Anxiety, depression, or trauma can make the interviewee withdraw, become easily irritated, or misinterpret neutral comments as attacks.
  • Low self-esteem might cause them to feel judged or rejected even when the parent is trying to help.
  • Risky behaviours (substance use, self-harm, or aggression) can lead parents to react with fear, anger, or over-control, further straining the relationship.

Critical point: What looks like “bad behaviour” may sometimes be a sign of deeper emotional or mental health struggles. Supportive and informed parenting can improve the relationship; uninformed punishment or shame often worsens it.

9. Power, control, and possible abuse

In some cases, changes in the relationship are linked to power imbalances and even abuse.

  • Overly controlling or authoritarian parenting (constant criticism, humiliation, threats, or physical punishment) can lead to fear, resentment, and emotional distancing.
  • Emotional manipulation (guilt-tripping, favouritism, conditional love) can damage trust and self-worth.
  • Where there is abuse, the interviewee may protect themselves by becoming detached, secretive, or by avoiding the parent.

Critical analysis:

  • Here, the “change” in the relationship is a protective response rather than simple teenage rebellion.
  • It is important not to blame the interviewee for withdrawing if the environment is unsafe or harmful.
  • In such cases, external support (counsellors, teachers, social workers) may be essential.

10. How to link this to an interview answer

If you are writing about a specific interviewee, you can:

  1. Describe the changes clearly
    • For example: “At first, the interviewee reported a close, warm relationship with their mother, but during high school they started arguing more and spending less time together.”
  2. Identify possible causes in different categories
    • Developmental (teen seeking independence).
    • Parent’s circumstances (longer working hours, new partner).
    • Communication (more shouting, less listening).
    • Values and culture (disagreements about clothing, social media, friends).
    • Past events (divorce, moving home, death of a relative).
    • Mental health or stress (school pressure, peer issues).
  3. Critically discuss
    • Explain how each factor may have contributed, and how they interact.
    • Acknowledge both sides: what the parent may be experiencing and what the interviewee may be feeling.
    • Show that some changes are normal and potentially positive (more independence, honest conversations), while others are harmful (abuse, constant criticism, emotional neglect).
  4. Use a balanced tone
    • Avoid blaming only one side.
    • Recognise context: poverty, cultural norms, trauma, health issues, and social pressures can limit how parents and young people behave.

11. Example mini-outline you can adapt

You might structure your essay or exam answer like this:

  1. Introduction
    • Briefly define what a parent–child/guardian relationship is and mention that relationships change over time due to multiple factors.
  2. Developmental and independence factors
    • Explain adolescence and the push for independence.
  3. Parental and environmental changes
    • Work, stress, finances, new relationships, moving, etc.
  4. Communication and conflict resolution
    • Show how poor communication can turn normal changes into serious conflict.
  5. Values, culture, and peer influence
    • Discuss generational, cultural, and peer-related differences.
  6. Emotional history and possible trauma
    • Mention past experiences and mental health.
  7. Critical reflection
    • Weigh which factors might be most influential in the specific interview you are discussing, and show how they connect.
  8. Short concluding remark
    • Emphasise that understanding these causes can help improve or heal the relationship.

TL;DR (short closing)

Changes in the relationship between the interviewee and their parent or guardian are usually caused by a mix of normal growing-up processes, changes in the parent’s situation, communication problems, value differences, and sometimes deeper issues such as trauma, mental health challenges, or abuse. When you “critically discuss” this, show multiple perspectives, link causes to specific changes in behaviour and emotions, and avoid oversimplifying the situation or blaming just one person.