Date of Award
Summer 2005
Document Type
Thesis - Restricted
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Psychology
First Advisor
Grych, John H.
Second Advisor
Oswald, Debra
Third Advisor
Aubin, Ed de St.
Abstract
Drawing from family systems theory, this study examines the role of family emotional processes as contextual factors that shape children's appraisals and adjustment associated with interparental conflict. Two emotional processes were examined as family contextual factors for children's experiences with interparental conflict: 1) family emotional expressiveness (emotional climate); and 2) parents reactions to children's negative emotions. Data were collected from a culturally diverse sample of 144 children ages 8-12 years old and their parents. Results provided support for the family emotional climate as a contextual factor for children's self-blaming attributions. Family negativity was found to exacerbate children's maladjustment associated with interparental conflict. Finally, mothers' and fathers' responses to children's negative affect moderated the association between interparental conflict and children's self-blaming appraisals. The implications of these findings are discussed.
Recommended Citation
Fosco, Gregory M., "Emotional Processes in the Family: Context for Interparental Conflict" (2005). Master's Theses (1922-2009) Access restricted to Marquette Campus. 2073.
https://epublications.marquette.edu/theses/2073