Effects of Marital Conflict on Adolescent Children

Abstract

In this study, the issue of whether adolescents coming from families with high marital conflict display any differences when compared to the adolescents belonging to families with low marital conflict is examined in detail. Comparison between the two groups is implemented within the framework of the dimensions related with the parenting styles the adolescents perceive and the adult attachment styles they display, the degree of support they feel they get from their environment, as well as the intensity of their problematic behaviour and the degree of their self-esteem. When the findings of the study are analysed with regard to the dimensions comprising parenting styles and adult attachment styles, it is seen that adolescents coming from families with high marital conflict perceive less acceptance and responsiveness from their parents and develop more fearful attachment styles in comparison to those coming from families of low marital conflict. Findings from the study also show that adolescents coming from families with high marital conflict feel that they get less social support from their parents, from discussed in light of the related literature.