Kelly E Cichy1, Eva S Lefkowitz, Karen L Fingerman. 1. Department of Human Development & Family Studies, School of Lifespan Development and Educational Sciences, PO Box 5190, 405 White Hall, Kent State University, Kent, OH 44242-0001, USA. kcichy@kent.edu
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: This study examined generational, ethnic, and gender differences in conflict behaviors during interactions between adults and their parents. We considered associations between observed conflict engagement and conflict disengagement behaviors and participant-rated relationship quality. METHOD: Participants included 155 African American and European American women and men (aged 22-49 years), their mothers and their fathers (N = 465). Adult children were videotaped separately with their mother and their father discussing relationship problems. Independent raters coded the conversations for conflict engagement (e.g., pressuring for change) and disengagement (e.g., withdrawing) behaviors. RESULTS: In African American families, parents displayed more conflict engagement and adult children displayed more conflict disengagement, whereas European American parents and adult children did not differ in their conflict behaviors. Mothers, fathers, and adult children reported poorer relationship quality when they engaged in more conflict engagement behaviors. Adult children also reported poorer quality relationships when their mothers displayed more conflict engagement behaviors. Mothers reported poorer quality relationships when their adult children engaged in more conflict disengagement. DISCUSSION: Findings suggest that even as adults, parents and children in poorer quality relationships may engage in potentially ineffective behaviors to resolve conflicts.
OBJECTIVES: This study examined generational, ethnic, and gender differences in conflict behaviors during interactions between adults and their parents. We considered associations between observed conflict engagement and conflict disengagement behaviors and participant-rated relationship quality. METHOD:Participants included 155 African American and European American women and men (aged 22-49 years), their mothers and their fathers (N = 465). Adult children were videotaped separately with their mother and their father discussing relationship problems. Independent raters coded the conversations for conflict engagement (e.g., pressuring for change) and disengagement (e.g., withdrawing) behaviors. RESULTS: In African American families, parents displayed more conflict engagement and adult children displayed more conflict disengagement, whereas European American parents and adult children did not differ in their conflict behaviors. Mothers, fathers, and adult children reported poorer relationship quality when they engaged in more conflict engagement behaviors. Adult children also reported poorer quality relationships when their mothers displayed more conflict engagement behaviors. Mothers reported poorer quality relationships when their adult children engaged in more conflict disengagement. DISCUSSION: Findings suggest that even as adults, parents and children in poorer quality relationships may engage in potentially ineffective behaviors to resolve conflicts.
Authors: Karen L Fingerman; Pei-Chun Chen; Elizabeth Hay; Kelly E Cichy; Eva S Lefkowitz Journal: J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci Date: 2006-05 Impact factor: 4.077
Authors: Kira S Birditt; Courtney A Polenick; Olga Van Bolt; Kyungmin Kim; Steven H Zarit; Karen L Fingerman Journal: J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci Date: 2019-01-10 Impact factor: 4.077
Authors: Courtney A Polenick; Nicole DePasquale; David J Eggebeen; Steven H Zarit; Karen L Fingerman Journal: J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci Date: 2018-09-20 Impact factor: 4.077
Authors: Kelly E Cichy; Eva S Lefkowitz; Eden M Davis; Karen L Fingerman Journal: J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci Date: 2013-06-02 Impact factor: 4.077