Facilitators and Barriers of Adolescent Self-Disclosure Across Different Confidants: A Multi-Informant Mixed Methods Study

Introduction: Adolescent self-disclosure is essential for relationship building, receiving support and mental well-being. However, little is known about whom adolescents confide in and what factors facilitate or hinder this process. Method: In this mixed methods multi-informant study, twelve Dutch adolescents (M_age = 18.3, 66.6% girls) and their parents (11 fathers, 12 mothers) were interviewed. Inspired by Q-methodology, adolescents placed color-coded cards on a grid to indicate whether they discussed 16 potentially distressing topics (e.g., mental health, school problems, physical complaints, family issues) with 17 persons (five relationship categories: caregivers, peers, professionals, familiar adults and others). Results: Quantitative results show that adolescents disclosed most to caregivers (especially mothers) and least to familiar adults, such as teachers. Semistructured interviews with adolescents and their parents were analyzed using inductive reflexive thematic analysis. Warm relationships and concrete opportunities to talk facilitated self-disclosure. Barriers included emotional distance and privacy concerns. Parents reported dilemmas between initiating conversations with their child and allowing space. Conclusion: Adolescents appear to be willing to share distressing topics, but familiar adults may need to take a more active role in fostering disclosure by making time, creating an inviting atmosphere, and initiating conversations.