Characteristics of Mother−Child Conflict and Child Sex Predicting Resolution

• Published in: Journal of family psychology 2014-04, Vol.28 (2), p.160-167
• Main Authors: Nelson, Jackie A, Boyer, Brittany P, Sang, Samantha A, Wilson, Elizabeth K
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Behavior; Child; Child Development; Child, Preschool; Children; Children & youth; Conflict; Conflict (Psychology); Conflict Resolution; Family - psychology; Father-Child Relations - ethnology; Fathers - psychology; Female; Females; Gender; Goals; Human; Human Sex Differences; Humans; Intergenerational relationships; Male; Measurement; Moderators; Mother Child Communication; Mother Child Relations; Mother-Child Relations - ethnology; Mother-Child Relations - psychology; Mothers; Mothers - psychology; Negotiating - psychology; Only Children; Parent-Child Relations; Parents; Personality traits; Sex; Socialization
• ISSN: 0893-3200; 1939-1293
• DOI: 10.1037/a0035990

Data from 190 mothers and their 5- to 7-year-old children were used to evaluate how characteristics of mother−child conflict discussions contribute to the likelihood of reaching a compromise, a win−loss resolution, or a standoff. Dyads discussed 2 topics they reported having disagreements about that were emotionally arousing. Coders rated global measurements of mothers' emotional responsiveness, intrusiveness, and negativity; children's negativity; and the frequency of mothers' and children's constructive and oppositional comments. Child sex was examined as a moderator of the relation between discussion characteristics and resolution reached. Results indicated that more constructive comments by mothers and children increased the likelihood of reaching a resolution versus a standoff, but only children's constructive comments differentiated between a compromise and a win−loss resolution favoring mothers. Dyads with more emotionally responsive mothers who made fewer oppositional comments were also more likely to reach a compromise versus a win−loss resolution. A significant interaction with child sex revealed that, for boys, the use of more child oppositional comments was associated with a higher likelihood of reaching a standoff versus a compromise. Girls' oppositional comments did not predict resolution type. These results are discussed in terms of the children's developmental level and parents' socialization goals.