Parental Conflict
Outcomes and Interventions for Children and Families
By Jenny Reynolds, Catherine Houlston, Lester Coleman and Gordon Harold
Published
Jan 31, 2014Page count
152 pagesBrowse the series
Understanding and Strengthening RelationshipsISBN
978-1447315810Dimensions
234 x 156 mmImprint
Policy PressPublished
Jan 31, 2014Page count
152 pagesBrowse the series
Understanding and Strengthening RelationshipsISBN
978-1447315834Imprint
Policy PressPublished
Jan 31, 2014Page count
152 pagesBrowse the series
Understanding and Strengthening RelationshipsISBN
978-1447315841Imprint
Policy Press
Parental Conflict
There is increasing government recognition of the importance of early family experiences on individuals in the long term and of how inter-parental conflict influences children’s development. Recognition of the role of such factors early in life is key to helping both policy makers and practitioners promote positive outcomes for children. This accessible book reviews recent research showing how children who experience high levels of inter-parental conflict are at serious risk not only in terms of their own wellbeing, but also in relation to the perpetuation of these behaviours later in life.
It examines the differences between ‘destructive’ and ‘constructive’ conflict and how they affect children, explores why some children are more adversely affected than others, and features the latest evidence on how conflict affects child physiology. Of particular note is the book’s focus on the growing evidence-based literature on conflict interventions within the last decade. A primer for practitioners working with families, policy makers, students and academics, it will show how to improve the tomorrows for children who experience challenging family experiences today.
"An excellent work that provides convincing evidence about why parents' unresolved fights can harm children, how that harm occurs, and what can be done about it." Professor Philip Cowan, University of California, Berkeley, USA
"This book provides a very clear summary of the latest research and interventions for families exposed to inter-parental conflict. A must-have resource for practitioners, students and policy makers alike." Professor Leslie Leve, University of Oregon, USA
Jenny Reynolds is an independent researcher specialising in family relationships and a OnePlusOne Associate. She is committed to applying research to policy and practice development
Catherine Houlston is a senior research officer at OnePlusOne and has a research background in in developmental psychology.
Lester Coleman is head of research at OnePlusOne and has over 20 years' experience in researching young people, family health and relationships.
Gordon Harold is Andrew and Virginia Rudd Chair in Psychology (University of Sussex), and an internationally renowned expert in child development and the role of the family in children’s psychological development.
Conflict in context;
Understanding different types of conflict;
The impact of inter-parental conflict on children;
How does inter-parental conflict affect children?;
Risk and resilience: why are some children affected more than others?;
Review of conflict-based interventions for couples;
Implications for practice - How to help families;
Conclusions and recommendations.
