Relations between adolescent girls and their mothers are influenced by the emotional fluctuations during adolescence; they affect the consolidation of identity and separation; and, can be a source of tension and frustration. Though these topics are important, there is no observational tool with which to examine the implicit, non-verbal, aspects of the relationship between mothers and their adolescent daughters. Using a qualitative-phenomenological paradigm, the aim of this study was to examine the way in which developmental processes in adolescence are embodied in the non-verbal communication between mothers and adolescent girls. Eighteen pairs of mothers and daughters aged 12–15 (n = 36) in Israel were filmed during joint free movement, and participated in a semi-structured interview.

An interpretive-phenomenological thematic analysis was conducted in which three themes were revealed: movement that embodied parenting style (“far, yet close,” “absent presence”/”invasiveness”); reconnection – ways to regain closeness following detachment through the body; and, the significance of embodied knowledge with respect to sexuality and power in relations. The findings extend our understanding of the non-verbal dynamics between mothers and their daughters and their impact on individuation processes, the daughter’s behavior in the relationship, and on her sense of comfort with her own body.

青春期女孩与母亲之间的关系受青春期情绪波动的影响；它们影响身份和分离的巩固；并且可能成为紧张和沮丧的根源。尽管这些主题很重要，但是没有观察工具可以用来检验母亲与其青春期女儿之间关系的隐含，非语言方面。使用定性现象学范式，本研究的目的是研究在母亲和青春期女孩之间的非语言交流中体现青春期发育过程的方式。以色列在联合自由行动期间拍摄了18对年龄在12至15岁（n = 36）的母女，并参加了半结构化访谈。

进行了解释性现象学主题分析，其中揭示了三个主题：体现养育方式的运动（“远而亲密”，“不在场” /“侵略性”）；重新连接-通过身体脱离后恢复亲密的方法；以及关于关系中的性和力量的体现知识的重要性。这些发现扩展了我们对母亲和女儿之间非语言动力及其对个性化过程，女儿在关系中的行为以及对自己身体舒适感的影响的理解。