Linkages between Interparental Conflicts and Adjustment of Adolescents in Hong Kong: The Mediating Role of Locus of Control

• Published in: Journal of child and family studies 2022-05, Vol.31 (5), p.1360-1372
• Main Authors: Tam, Tsz-yu Joey, Wong, Wai-lap Lance
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adjustment; Adolescents; Behavioral Science and Psychology; Child and School Psychology; Conflict; Coping; Happiness; Life events; Life satisfaction; Locus of control; Original Paper; Personal control; Psychology; Secondary School Students; Secondary schools; Sense of control; Social Sciences; Sociology; Teenagers; Well being
• ISSN: 1062-1024; 1573-2843
• DOI: 10.1007/s10826-021-02133-9

Interparental conflicts have long been recognized as a risk factor for maladjustment in adolescents. Many studies have been conducted to examine mediators that account for the negative effects of interparental conflicts on adolescents’ adjustment, well-being, and development. However, locus of control, which is about the extent to which people believe life events and outcomes are attributed to personal and/or non-personal factors, has not been examined as a mediator in this association. Hence, this study aimed to fill this research gap and tested the mediating role of locus of control in the association between interparental conflicts and adjustment of Chinese adolescents in Hong Kong. A total of 366 senior secondary school students in Hong Kong participated in the study and 353 of them provided complete data for analyses. They completed a set of questionnaires about their perceptions of interparental conflicts, locus of control, and adjustment and well-being. Results indicated that the associations between interparental conflicts and adolescents’ adjustment (measured by subjective happiness, life satisfaction, negative mood, and problem-focused coping) were significantly mediated by locus of control. A higher level of interparental conflicts was related to a lower sense of personal control in adolescents which in turn was associated with worse adjustment and well-being. Implications regarding the role locus of control can play in intervention programs are discussed. Highlights This study examined the association between interparental conflicts and adjustment of Chinese adolescents in Hong Kong. Locus of control was tested as a potential mediator. Interparental conflicts were found to be negatively associated with adolescents’ adjustment. Internal and external loci of control significantly mediated this association. The findings provide support to a previously unstudied pathway by which conflicts between parents affect adolescents’ adjustment and well-being.