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Improved child problem behavior enhances the parents' relationship quality: A randomized trial

Martina Zemp1, Anne Milek1, Patrick T Davies2

  • 1Department of Psychology, University of Zurich.

Journal of Family Psychology : JFP : Journal of the Division of Family Psychology of the American Psychological Association (Division 43)
|April 29, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Improving children's behavior through parenting training can strengthen the interparental relationship. This study found that reduced child behavior problems predicted better parental relationship quality a year later in the intervention group.

Area of Science:

  • Psychology
  • Family Studies
  • Intervention Research

Background:

  • Interparental discord is a known risk factor for child maladjustment.
  • Limited research explores child behavior's impact on parental relationship quality.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate if improvements in child behavior predict parental relationship quality one year later.
  • To assess the effects of a parenting intervention on this relationship dynamic.

Main Methods:

  • Randomized trial with 100 couples assigned to parenting training (Triple P) or a control group.
  • Data collected via parent questionnaires on relationship quality, parenting, and child behavior at multiple time points.
  • Follow-up assessments conducted at 6 months and 1 year post-intervention.

Main Results:

  • Improved child behavior (mother-reported) and parenting skills (father-reported) predicted enhanced relationship quality at 1-year follow-up.
  • These positive effects were observed exclusively in the Triple P intervention group.
  • No significant predictors were found for the control group.

Conclusions:

  • Parenting programs that reduce child behavior problems may also improve couple relationship quality.
  • Targeting child behavior is a promising avenue for enhancing family relationship dynamics.
  • Findings support the reciprocal influence between child behavior and interparental relationship quality.

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