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Coparenting, family process, and family structure: implications for preschoolers' externalizing behavior problems.
S J Schoppe1, S C Mangelsdorf, C A Frosch
1Department of Psychology, University of Illinois, 603 East Daniel Street, Champaign, Illinois 61820, USA. sschoppe@s.psych.uiuc.edu
Summary
Supportive coparenting and adaptive family structures reduce preschoolers' externalizing behavior problems. Negative family dynamics and less adaptive structures are linked to increased behavioral issues in children.
Area of Science:
- Child psychology
- Family studies
- Developmental psychology
Background:
- Externalizing behavior problems in preschoolers are a significant concern.
- Understanding family dynamics is crucial for addressing childhood behavioral issues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between triadic family interactions and preschoolers' externalizing behavior.
- To explore the roles of coparenting quality, family affect, and family structure.
Main Methods:
- Assessed coparenting, family affect, and family structure at age 3.
- Collected reports on children's externalizing behaviors from mothers, fathers, and teachers at age 4.
Main Results:
- Supportive coparenting and adaptive family structures correlated with fewer externalizing behaviors.
- Undermining coparenting, negative affect, and less adaptive structures were linked to more externalizing behaviors.
- Family affect and structure interacted with coparenting, influencing its impact on behavior.
Conclusions:
- Triadic family interactions are vital for understanding and addressing preschoolers' externalizing behaviors.
- Interventions should consider coparenting, family affect, and structure for optimal outcomes.