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Patterns of interparental conflict, parenting, and children's emotional insecurity: A person-centered approach

Olena Kopystynska1, Katherine W Paschall2, Melissa A Barnett1

  • 1Department of Family Studies and Human Development, University of Arizona.

Journal of Family Psychology : JFP : Journal of the Division of Family Psychology of the American Psychological Association (Division 43)
|August 11, 2017
PubMed

Insights

This study found four distinct profiles of couple conflict, with most low-income unmarried couples using constructive conflict management. These profiles impact parenting and child emotional security, emphasizing family-centered interventions.

Area of Science:

  • Developmental Psychology
  • Family Studies
  • Social Psychology

Background:

  • Interparental conflict and parenting behaviors significantly influence child emotional insecurity.
  • Understanding these dynamics is crucial for early childhood development interventions.
  • Previous research has not fully explored the interplay of conflict profiles, parenting, and child outcomes in diverse family structures.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify profiles of interparental conflict (destructive and constructive) among low-income unmarried couples.
  • To examine the relationship between these couple conflict profiles and parenting behaviors (harshness, supportiveness).
  • To investigate the association between couple conflict profiles and children's emotional insecurity at 36 months of age.

Main Methods:

  • Latent profile analysis was used to categorize couples based on reported interparental conflict behaviors.
  • Parenting behaviors were assessed via observational data.
  • Child emotional insecurity was measured using parent reports.

Main Results:

  • Four distinct profiles of couple conflict concordance/discordance were identified.
  • These profiles were differentially associated with parenting behaviors and child emotional insecurity.
  • The majority of couples exhibited constructive conflict management strategies.

Conclusions:

  • Couple conflict profiles significantly shape parenting practices and child emotional security.
  • Interventions should consider the family unit and the specific conflict dynamics within couples.
  • Findings underscore the prevalence of constructive conflict resolution among low-income unmarried couples, challenging some assumptions.

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