Children's Vulnerability to Interparental Conflict: The Protective Role of Sibling Relationship Quality

Patrick T Davies; Lucia Q Parry; Sonnette M Bascoe; Meredith J Martin; E Mark Cummings

doi:10.1111/cdev.13078

journal article Nov 01, 2019

Children's Vulnerability to Interparental Conflict: The Protective Role of Sibling Relationship Quality

Patrick T Davies

Lucia Q Parry Sonnette M Bascoe Meredith J Martin E Mark Cummings

Child Development Vol. 90 No. 6 pp. 2118-2134 · Oxford University Press (OUP)

View at Publisher Save 10.1111/cdev.13078

Abstract

Abstract
This study tested whether the strength of the mediational pathway involving interparental conflict, adolescent emotional insecurity, and their psychological problems depended on the quality of their sibling relationships. Using a multimethod approach, 236 adolescents (Mage = 12.6 years) and their parents participated in three annual measurement occasions. Tests of moderated mediation revealed that indirect paths among interparental conflict, insecurity, and psychological problems were significant for teens with low, but not high, quality bonds with siblings. High-quality (i.e., strong) sibling relationships conferred protection by neutralizing interparental conflict as a precursor of increases in adolescent insecurity. Results did not vary as a function of the valence of sibling relationship properties, adolescent sex, or gender and age compositions of the dyad.

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Details

Published: Nov 01, 2019
Vol/Issue: 90(6)
Pages: 2118-2134
License: View

Authors

P

Patrick T Davies

University of Rochester

L

Lucia Q Parry

University of Rochester

S

Sonnette M Bascoe

University of Rochester

M

Meredith J Martin

University of Nebraska–Lincoln

E

E Mark Cummings

University of Notre Dame

Funding

National Institute of Mental Health Award: 2R01 MH57318

Cite This Article

Patrick T Davies, Lucia Q Parry, Sonnette M Bascoe, et al. (2019). Children's Vulnerability to Interparental Conflict: The Protective Role of Sibling Relationship Quality. Child Development, 90(6), 2118-2134. https://doi.org/10.1111/cdev.13078

Children's Vulnerability to Interparental Conflict: The Protective Role of Sibling Relationship Quality

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