Additional assignmentResults of meta-analysis of 95 studies comparing children of divorced and intact familiesShort-term effects following divorce (1-2 years post divorce)Long-term effects -comparing young adults from intact and divorced families of originPost-divorce conflictFathers relationships with childrenHigh levels of interparental marital conflict related to child:Aspects of interparental marital conflict related to negative outcome for childInterparental marital conflict and child outcome - direct effectsInterparental marital conflict and child outcome- indirect effectsExposure to conflictChildren coping with parental marital conflictcontinuedspilloverResults from two studies on marital conflict studied from the child’s perspective% responses about conflict% responses about worry and threat% response self-blameChild involvement and copingMain conclusion from two studies and child symptomsAdditional assignmentfor extra creditAn essay on FathersDue November 4Worth up to 2 points (to add to your total grade)Will be opened on ecampus this week for you to ‘cut and paste’ into journal section of ecampus (access via tools.)Results of meta-analysis of 95 studies comparing children of divorced and intact familiesMore behavioral problems (aggressiveness, impulsiveness, antisocial behavior, conduct problems)more relationship difficultiespoorer psychological adjustmentlower academic achievementShort-term effects following divorce (1-2 years post divorce)Sadness, feelings of lossanxiety (about who will take care of them; when they will be with their other parent)anger behavior problemsproblems with concentration and academic functioningLong-term effects -comparing young adults from intact and divorced families of originLower psychological well-beinglower socioeconomic achievementpoorer marital quality in own relationship and higher chance of divorcemore likey to have poorer relationship with parentsPost-divorce conflictBeing asked to carry messages to the other parentbeing asked intrusive questions about other parentput in position to hide information from other parentfeeling need to hide loving feelings for other parent or wanting to be with other parentFathers relationships with childrenDivorced fathers from high conflict marriages visit children less, less regularly and for shorter visitsHigh levels of interparental marital conflictrelated to child:depression, anxietyanger, aggression, acting out, conduct problems, antisocial behaviorsomatic symptomsimpaired concentration, poorer academic functioningAspects of interparental marital conflict related to negative outcome for childfrequent conflict intense conflictchild involvement in conflictpoor resolution of conflictInterparental marital conflict and child outcome - direct effectsDirect exposure - Physiological response (increased heart rate, blood pressure, crying, running away, etc)Through modeling - aggressiveInterparental marital conflict and child outcome- indirect effectsEmotional quality of parent-child relationshipdiscipline practicesparent-child aggressionExposure to conflict What aspects of conflict impact children the most?Children coping with parental marital conflictChildren’s effort to cope with this (uncontrollable) family stressor vary and can place them at increased risk for social-emotional and behavioral problems.continuedSome coping attempts by children may get them involved in parental marital disputes The more intense, child-related, aggressive and/or unresolved the parental marital conflicts are, the more likely children are to attempt to intervenespilloverIf the parenting-marital bond is characterized by intense conflict and distress, there may be spillover to the parent-child relationship and parenting practices (e.g., rejection, hostility).Spill-over into parent-child interaction may be stronger if the child is involved in the conflict.Results from two studies on marital conflict studied from the child’s perspective% responses about conflictI see my parents arguing (78%)I often see my parents arguing (36%)When my parents have an argument they yell at each other (46%)My parents have pushed or shoved each other during an argument (9%)Even after my parents stop arguing they stay mad at each other (24%)% responses about worry and threatI get scared when my parents argue (46%)When my parents argue I worry that they might get divorced (37%)When my parents argue I’m afraid that they will yell at me too (29%)% response self-blameIt is usually my fault when my parents argue (12%)My parents' arguments are usually about me (14%)Even if they don't say it, I know I'm to blame when my parents argue (13%)Child involvement and copingWhen my parents argue I try to do something to stop them (69%)When my parents argue there’s nothing I can do to stop them (60%)Main conclusion from two studies and child symptomsThe majority of children report exposure to parental conflict, parental conflict is not per se related to depressive symptoms in children, rather…When conflict is present and children blame themselves they are more likely to report being depressed Further, when children report higher rates of experiencing parental rejection then the relationship between conflict, self blame and depression is even