Interrelatedness of marital relations and parent-child relations: A meta-analytic review.

Abstract

It is widely assumed that a linkage, crucial to the understanding of child behavior, exists between marital and parent-child relationship quality. A meta-analysis of 68 studies was conducted to determine whether this linkage exists and, if so, whether the linkage is positive (as suggested by the spill-over hypothesis) or negative (as suggested by the compensatory hypothesis). Results supported the spillover hypothesis; a positive and nonhomogeneous effect size of moderate magnitude was found (d = 0.46). This suggests that research in this area can move beyond the question of whether a positive or negative association exists to identifying moderators of the association. Examination of the impact of 13 potential moderators did not support the existence of any of these variables that could be adequately examined. This suggests that the link between marital and parent-child relations functions as a more stable force than previously thought.

Enhancing positive development of children: Effects of a multilevel randomized controlled intervention on parenting and child problem behavior

“…The study did not support the extra benefit of the additional school-oriented program Fit and Strong for Life, although several authors point out the need and value of such programs (Hosman et al, 2005). Family variables such as parenting, parental stress, and parenting self-efficacy are powerful predictors of child outcomes (Aviezer, SagiSchwartz, & Koren-Karie, 2003;Erel & Burman, 1995;Grych & Fincham, 1990;Loeber & Farrington, 1998;Spence, 1998) and targeting these factors is promising for intervention. Empirical findings on widespread universal prevention campaigns in childhood and adolescence are still sparse, but merit further attention, particularly selfdirected programs (e.g., Hahlweg, Heinrichs, Kuschel, & Feldmann, 2008;Sanders et al, 2000).…”

The evidence for a neurobiological model of childhood antisocial behavior.

“…Moreover, environmental factors that are independent of the child's genetic makeup or temperament can act as contributory causes of persistence. Such factors include marital discord (Harold & Conger, 1997), disrupted parenting (Erel & Burman, 1995), or parental psychopathology (Downey & Coyne, 1990). …”

Toward an integration of family systems and developmental psychopathology approaches

“…may have multiple meanings~e.g., healthy relationship, efforts to compensate for adversity in the family system, or maladaptive coalition formation! depending on how it operates in the larger family system~Byng-Hall, 2002; Davies, 2002;Erel & Burman, 1995!. The multitude of dynamic organismenvironment transactions comprising open systems is further conceptualized to result in a plurality of pathways of adaptation and maladaptation for individuals and families. Consequently, models of adaptation in developmental psychopathology and family systems are not restricted to accepting the notion that one cause can only have one outcome.…”