Child Appraisals of Interparental Conflict: The Effects of Intimate Partner Violence and Parent–Child Relationship Quality

Abstract

Children's appraisals of interparental violence, including appraisals of high threat and low coping efficacy, are robust predictors of behavioral and emotional problems. However, few studies have examined the factors that account for children's use of these maladaptive appraisals, particularly among children exposed to more severe forms of interparental conflict. The current study examines parent-child relationship quality as a mediator of the effect of intimate partner violence (IPV) exposure on children's appraisals of conflict. Participants were 118 mother-child dyads (54 girls and 64 boys), recruited from three Midwestern counties. Consistent with previous reports, child exposure to IPV, as reported by children's mothers, predicted higher threat and lower coping efficacy appraisals. In addition, mediation analyses showed child reports of parent-child relationship quality mediated the association between IPV and coping efficacy, but not the effects of IPV on threat appraisals. The role of parent-child relationships in shaping cognitive appraisals in the context of IPV exposure can have implications for prevention and intervention efforts as well as public policy.

Factors Influencing Children’s Appraisals of Interparental Conflict: The Role of Parent-Child Relationship Quality

“…We also confirmed findings of various studies conducted in different cultures indicating that IPC may be related to poor parent-child relationship (e.g., Brock & Kochanska, 2016; Li et al, 2011), and that parent-child relationship may mediate the link between IPC and children’s IPC appraisals (e.g., Figge et al, 2018). However, previous studies evaluated either overall or a specific aspect (positivity and negativity) of the quality of the parent-child relationship as an intervening mechanism linking exposure to IPC with children’s IPC appraisals (see Figge et al, 2018; Fosco & Grych, 2007). In that sense, the present study extends prior findings by demonstrating the intervening role of different aspects of parent-child relationship (i.e., psychological control and attachment security) that is robust across child and parent gender.…”

“…Past studies have shown that, besides its moderating function (e.g., DeBoard-Lucas et al, 2010; Grych, 1998; Grych & Fincham, 1990), the parent-child relationship plays a mediating role in the link between IPC and children’s appraisals of disputes (e.g., Figge et al, 2018). For instance, a cross-sectional study revealed that child-reported IPC is associated with parental positivity and negativity (i.e., parent-reported expressed positive and negative affect), which in turn is related to children’s self-blame appraisals (Fosco & Grych, 2007).…”

“…For instance, a cross-sectional study revealed that child-reported IPC is associated with parental positivity and negativity (i.e., parent-reported expressed positive and negative affect), which in turn is related to children’s self-blame appraisals (Fosco & Grych, 2007). Moreover, a longitudinal study conducted with mother-child dyads indicated that children’s perceived parent-child relationship quality partially mediates the association between mother-reported interparental violence (i.e., threats of violence, physical aggression, and sexual violence) and children’s coping efficacy appraisals (Figge et al, 2018). Therefore, guided by the emotional security hypothesis and from recent findings summarized earlier, we thought that the parent-child relationship might mediate the link between exposure to IPC and children’s IPC appraisals.…”

Parenting Styles, Coparenting, and Early Child Adjustment in Separated Families with Child Physical Custody Processes Ongoing in Family Court

“…Previous studies found that parenting higher conflict predicts increased internalized and externalized problems in children over four [28]. Interparental conflict was also associated with low coping efficacy mediated by mother-child relationships [29], inconsistent parenting, and low life satisfaction [15]. Therefore, interparental conflict may be understood in an integrated model whereas family processes, parenting, and individual, parents', and children's factors underlie the pathways to child adjustment, regulatory processes, psychological problems, and mental health in separation or divorce and post-divorce phases [30] and in different household arrangements [31].…”

Adaptive Functioning Behaviors for Trauma-Affected Children in the Cambodian Context

“…Self-management strategies for distress in this sample likely reflect some of the therapeutic techniques learned in their mental and medical health groups (i.e., TPO group therapy, HIV/AIDS support group), but also reflect religio-cultural coping strategies, such as meditation, Buddhist teachings, blessings by monks, and ceremonies at the pagoda, which increase their sense of self-efficacy in coping with family violence. Coping efficacy, in the context of IPV, is a key factor in predicting children’s internalizing and externalizing outcomes (e.g., Figge et al, 2018). Family management of distress included advising and comforting parents in the context of IPV.…”