Policy Press

Parental Conflict

Outcomes and Interventions for Children and Families

By Jenny Reynolds, Catherine Houlston, Lester Coleman and Gordon Harold

Published

Jan 31, 2014

Page count

152 pages

Browse the series

Understanding and Strengthening Relationships

ISBN

978-1447315810

Dimensions

234 x 156 mm

Imprint

Policy Press

Published

Jan 31, 2014

Page count

152 pages

Browse the series

Understanding and Strengthening Relationships

ISBN

978-1447315834

Dimensions

Imprint

Policy Press

Published

Jan 31, 2014

Page count

152 pages

Browse the series

Understanding and Strengthening Relationships

ISBN

978-1447315841

Dimensions

Imprint

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.

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.