title: Characteristics of mother-child conflict and child sex predicting resolution.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas.
authors.forename: Jackie A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Nelson
authors.affiliation: School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas.
authors.forename: Brittany P
authors.initials: BP
authors.lastname: Boyer
authors.affiliation: School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas.
authors.forename: Samantha A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Sang
authors.affiliation: School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas.
authors.forename: Elizabeth K
authors.initials: EK
authors.lastname: Wilson
mesh_terms: D001519:Behavior; D002648:Child; D002657:Child Development; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003220:Conflict, Psychological; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology; D005219:Father-Child Relations / Q000208:ethnology; D005220:Fathers / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009034:Mother-Child Relations / Q000208:ethnology / Q000523:psychology*; D009035:Mothers / Q000523:psychology*; D017008:Negotiating / Q000523:psychology*; D010287:Parent-Child Relations; D012723:Sex