Teenagers are less likely to do their homework if their mothers tell them to in a controlling tone 'because it takes away their sense of choice'

Teenagers are less likely to do their homework if their mothers speak to them in a 'controlling' tone, research suggests. Scientists from Cardiff University analysed how 1,000 adolescents reacted to the same set of instructions when given out by women with varying tones of voice. They found the teenagers were more willing to do their homework when they were spoken to in an encouraging way. Supportive tones are thought to give teenagers a 'sense of choice', even if they are being told to do something. This may coax them into complying during a time when they have an 'increasing desire to act independently' and be 'self-reliant', the scientists said. Parents often try to motivate their children to behave in a certain way, the scientists wrote in the journal Developmental Psychology. Encouraging them to do their homework is a 'common challenge', with research suggesting this can influence how well youngsters do at school. However, 'very little research' has looked into the role tone of voice plays in compliance. To learn more, the scientists analysed 486 boys and 514 girls aged between 14 and 15. The teenagers were put into two groups where they heard identical messages spoken by women with adolescent children.  Thirty messages were delivered, including 'it's time now to go to school', 'you will read this book tonight' and 'you will do well on this assignment'.  The tone used was either controlling, supportive or neutral.  Each of the teenagers were asked how they would feel if their own mother had spoken to them like this. Results revealed those who heard motivational statements in a controlling tone reacted 'undesirably'. In contrast, supportive tones brought about 'positive reactions'. This is compared to motivational messages delivered in a neutral way.  Encouraging tones are said to be 'inviting' and suggest a 'sense of choice' for the listener even if they are being told to do something, the scientists wrote.  Teenagers may be particularly susceptible to this because they are 'sensitive to feeling controlled given their increasing desire to act independently and become self-reliant'.