Negative family environment as a predictor of boys' future status on measures of hostile attitudes, interview behavior, and anger expression.

Abstract

The present study tested the hypothesis that family environments characterized as nonsupportive, unaccepting, and conflictual lead to the development of hostile traits in adolescent Caucasian boys. Negative behaviors during parent-son discussions aimed at resolving disagreements were observed in a laboratory setting in 51 intact families. Sons' hostile traits were assessed at the time of the interactions and then 3 years later. Results showed that a high frequency of negative behaviors exhibited by both parents and sons predicted sons' later hostile attitudes and outward expression of anger after adjustment for their initial level of hostile attitudes and anger expression, respectively. A low frequency of positive behaviors exhibited by the father and son predicted sons' later Potential for Hostility ratings after adjustment for their initial level. The meaning of these findings for the conceptualization of hostility is discussed.