Abstract
The purpose of this research is to understand the perspective and how teenage girls dealing with the generation gap. The current research is a qualitative study that was conducted in Yazd city. 29 teenage girls aged 13 to 17 participated in in-depth interviews and focus group. The data was analyzed with a constructive grounded theory approach. The seven main categories emerging from the data are comparative self-improvement, social worries, adaptation and personal improvement, resistance and escape, sexual restriction, family disorder, value reflexivity. Distinctive self-construction was also considered as core category. Adolescents experience suffering mixed with growth when faced with generational difference, and in fact, we witness two distinct ways of facing generational difference, one leads to personal growth or adaptation in the family environment, and the other leads to resistance. Adolescents who experience personal growth often acquire new skills to cope with their parents' differences. Living in the context of the media makes teenagers compare themselves with their peers at the global level.
Keywords: Generation gap, Generation, Adolescents, Values, Family
 
Introduction
Generational differences and their associated challenges in contemporary society, particularly within families, have attracted significant attention from researchers and sociologists. A generation, as a social cohort sharing common experiences, exerts a profound influence on the beliefs, values, and attitudes of its members. Over time, rapid social, cultural, and technological changes have accentuated these generational disparities. These differences, commonly referred to as the generation gap, can lead to intergenerational tensions and misunderstandings. In Iran, as in many other societies, the generational gap is particularly pronounced between adolescents and their parents. This study aims to delve deeper into the experiences of Iranian adolescent girls in navigating these generational gaps By exploring how these young women perceive and interpret the differences between themselves and their parents. this research seeks to contribute to a better understanding of the challenges faced by adolescents as they negotiate these generational boundaries. The significance of this research lies in its potential to provide valuable insights into the experiences and challenges faced by adolescent girls as they navigate the complexities of generational gaps.
 
Materials & Methods
This qualitative, interpretive study aims to gain a deep and meaningful understanding of the experience of the generational gap among Iranian adolescent girls. The grounded theory approach, as conceptualized by Charmaz, has been employed, wherein concepts and theories are directly extracted from the data, and the researcher does not seek to confirm pre-existing hypotheses. Participants (13-17-year-old girls) were purposively selected based on specific characteristics such as age, gender, family background, and socioeconomic status to ensure a diverse range of perspectives on the research topic. Theoretical sampling was also employed to further enhance the richness of the data. Two methods were used to collect data:Semi-structured interviews: These interviews were conducted based on a general framework, but the researcher was also able to adapt their questions based on the participants' responses and Focus groups. Participants were grouped together to discuss the research topic, allowing for the exploration of group dynamics and shared perspectives. Data analysis was conducted using a grounded theory approach, which involved the following steps: Open coding: Raw data was examined line-by-line to identify initial concepts. Axial coding: Identified concepts were categorized, and relationships between them were explored. Selective coding: A core category or overarching theme was developed to provide a comprehensive framework for understanding the phenomenon. Theoretical saturation: Data collection continued until no new categories or properties emerged.
 
Discussion & Result
The data analysis revealed that encountering generational differences among adolescents is associated with a complex interplay of challenges and growth. Adolescents engaged in identity formation by comparing themselves to their peers, often leading to a heightened sense of individualism that can conflict with parental expectations. Female adolescents reported experiencing more parental and societal control, resulting in heightened social anxiety and reduced social participation. These adolescents demonstrated a tendency to re-evaluate values, lifestyles, fashion choices, music preferences, and leisure activities. Family dysfunction was found to exacerbate generational gaps and intensify adolescent distress. A total of 85 concepts were extracted from the data, which were subsequently categorized into seven core categories. The seven core categories that emerged from the data analysis were: comparative self-improvement, social worries, adaptation and personal improvement, resistance and escape, sexual restriction, family disorder, value reflexivity. Distinctive self-construction was also considered as core category.
 
Conclusion
This study identified two primary coping mechanisms among adolescents facing generational gaps: growth-oriented adaptation and resistance-based avoidance. In the growth-oriented approach, adolescents develop new skills while navigating differences with their parents, whether motivated by financial gain, seeking escape from conflict, or achieving a mutually agreeable understanding through constructive dialogue. However, adaptation can also manifest as passive compliance to maintain parental respect, indicating a degree of resignation. This coping strategy often results in the development of improved communication, artistic, and social skills.
Conversely, some adolescents struggle to adapt and engage in conflict with their parents, leading to self-harm, loneliness, and depression. This pattern is particularly prevalent in dysfunctional families characterized by divorce, parental addiction, or remarriage.Leveraging the widespread influence of media, adolescents construct distinct identities by comparing themselves to peers both domestically and internationally through social media. This process fosters a global perspective and enables adolescents to break free from the constraints of their immediate environment, developing unique styles and values. As a result, they become less reliant on social judgment and prioritize individualism. However, the societal context remains traditional, with parents, particularly in the case of daughters, exerting control to avoid social stigma and reinforce patriarchal norms. This parental control hinders the development of adolescents' social interaction skills.Nevertheless, a significant finding of this study is the potential of generational gaps to facilitate the development of a distinct and mature identity in adolescents.