Ten-Year Longitudinal Associations Between Family Alliance in Infancy and Adolescent Psychological Outcomes: An Exploratory Study

Objective: This exploratory study investigated the 10-year longitudinal associations between Family Alliance (FA) in infancy and various outcomes in adolescence (e.g., psychopathological symptoms, self-esteem, life satisfaction). Background: Extensive evidence suggests that the quality of family relationships plays an important role in children’s development. However, few studies have documented this association using observational assessments of the family both in infancy and adolescence, and fewer studies have used longitudinal designs to explore these effects. Method: Using a convenience sample of N = 38 mother–father–child triads, FA was assessed in infancy (at 3, 9, and 18 months postpartum) and in early adolescence (at age 10–13). Adolescent symptoms, self-esteem, and satisfaction with life were self-reported. Results: Regression analyses showed that FA in infancy predicted neither psychopathological symptoms nor self-esteem, but it did predict scores of life satisfaction. FA in infancy and adolescence was significantly and positively associated. Conclusion: The quality of an infant’s relational environment may predict life satisfaction in adolescents. Implications: In health services, promoting family relationships of high quality in the postpartum period may have long-term effects that persist until adolescence.