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Published on: September 19, 2019
Intergenerational relational dynamics in co-parenting families: a cross-sectional analysis through a systemic
Ziran Li1, Mohd Najmi Daud1, Mohamad Salleh Bin Abdul Ghani1
1Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Faculty of Human Ecology, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia.
Introduction:
Intergenerational co-parenting, where parents and grandparents share child-rearing responsibilities, is prevalent in Chinese families. Despite its cultural significance, few studies have examined how grandparent parent co-parenting relationship dimensions relate to broader family functioning using a systemic theoretical framework.
Methods:
A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 710 Chinese parents (303 fathers, 407 mothers), of whom 426 reported active grandparent involvement in child-rearing. The Co-Parenting Relationship Scale (CRS) and Family Environment Scale (FES) were administered. Data were analyzed using hierarchical multiple regression and bootstrap mediation analysis (PROCESS macro, Model 4, 5,000 resamples).
Results:
Negative co-parenting dimensions (particularly undermining, M = 4.61) scored higher than positive dimensions. Co-parenting support significantly predicted overall family environment quality (β = 0.243, p < 0.05). Co-parenting debasement negatively predicted family cohesion (β = -0.275, p < 0.01), while division of labor positively predicted cohesion (β = 0.224, p < 0.05). Bootstrap mediation analysis revealed that family environment partially mediated the relationship between co-parenting conflict and child behavioral difficulties (indirect effect = 0.038, 95% CI [0.011, 0.074]).
Discussion:
Findings support systemic theoretical propositions regarding relational interdependence, structural boundaries, and circular causality within co-parenting families. Co-parenting relationship quality is significantly associated with family environment, which serves as a pathway influencing child outcomes. Limitations include the cross-sectional design and reliance on self-report measures.
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