(PS7-38) Exploring harmony in diversity: Family conflict topics & behaviors

Abstract Text: Family conflict has various implications for youth depending on its expression and content. Parents’ use of constructive conflict behaviors (i.e., problem-solving, support) around children has been shown to decrease aggressive behavior in their children (Cummings et al., 2004) and tends to make children feel secure (Bergman et al., 2016). Alternatively, exposure to destructive conflict (i.e., aggression, withdrawal) increases the likelihood of aggressive behavior in children (Cummings et al., 2004). Research also suggests that conflict behaviors may vary by race (e.g., more overt, dramatic gestures in African American families vs. subtle, nonverbal tactics in White families) (Orbuch et al,.1993; McGinty et al., 2003). Regarding topics of conflict, evidence suggests that child-focused topics are particularly distressing for children who witness them (Papp et al., 2009). Overall, there is limited evidence about how conflict topics and behaviors may differ in minoritized families. Therefore, this study aims to fill the gap and investigate possible discrepancies in a) constructive and destructive behaviors, as well as b) family conflict topics within racially/ethnically minoritized vs. non-racially/ethnically minoritized families.

Participants include youth ages 4.5-17 years old and their caregivers, recruited from an effectiveness trial being conducted in community settings across Indiana. Conflict topics and behaviors will be evaluated using an observational task and coded using the Family Interactions Coding System (Revised) (FICS-R; Bergman & Cummings, 2023). Data collection is ongoing, and frequency analyses on the conflict behaviors are planned.

Preliminary analyses (n= 70; 44.3% minoritized) reveal conflict topics related to responsibilities, family relationships, school, routines, and child behavior. No large discrepancies were found between the topics suggested by minoritized vs. non-minoritized families. However, a unique category, “parenting/co-parenting”, emerged in the minoritized sample. Additionally, the degree some conflict topics were suggested in minoritized vs. non-minoritized families differed.

These preliminary findings together with the planned analyses regarding observed conflict behaviors will offer insights about conflict in minoritized families and suggest avenues for future directions in family conflict research. Results imply that families, regardless of race/ethnicity, generally discuss similar topics that revolve around creating a secure family base (e.g., shared responsibilities, positive relationships), which is in line with previous literature (Barber, 1994; Oggins, 2003). Given gaps in the literature regarding conflict tactics in minoritized families, the second aim of the current study is exploratory. Conflict behaviors may show similar patterns across minoritized and non-minoritized families. Alternatively, findings may show that although topics of conflicts are similar amongst families, the way they are expressed differ. The findings from this aim could shed light on the everyday systemic barriers that present additional challenges that are particularly salient for minoritized families.