Coparenting And Child Behavior In Different Family Configurations

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Tatiane Medianeira Baccin Ambrós
Fernanda Machado Lopes
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4853-7670
Tamires Dias dos santos
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0097-3158
Carolina Duarte de Souza
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3555-1120
Mauro Luís Vieira

Abstract

The quality of the coparental relationship impacts child behavior across different family configurations. The present study, which was cross-sectional and employed a convenience sampling method, aimed to investigate the predictive effects of coparenting dimensions on aspects of child behavior in both married and divorced families. A total of 344 participants with children aged between 3 and 11 years (261 from married families and 83 from divorced families) completed the Coparenting Relationship Scale and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. Multiple linear regression results indicated that family type (married or divorced) was not a predictor of any child behavior variables in statistically significant models. In the overall sample, Coparenting agreement significantly reduced all child behavior problems and increased prosocial behavior. In married families, Coparenting agreement negatively predicted all child behavior problems except emotional symptoms. In divorced families, Coparenting agreement was a negative predictor of hyperactivity, externalizing problems, and overall difficulties. The Exposure to conflict variable positively predicted conduct problems and child difficulties in the general sample, as well as emotional symptoms and internalizing problems in the divorced families. The Endorse partner’s parenting variable negatively predicted emotional symptoms, peer relationship problems, and internalizing problems in married families only. Therefore, it was concluded that coparenting dimensions, particularly agreement and conflict, impact child behavior differently in married and divorced families.

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Human Development

References

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