The Relation of Divorced Mothers' Perceptions of Family Cohesion and Adaptability to Behavior Problems in Children

Abstract

This study examined the relation between divorced mothers' perceptions of family cohesion and adaptability with children's behavior problems. Mothers, with few exceptions, reported that their children had the fewest behavior problems when they perceived family cohesion and adaptability as high and the most behavioral problems when they perceived these levels as low. These results were in accordance with D. H. Olson's model of coping with stress within nonclinical populations. In contrast, children with mothers who perceived high family cohesion or adaptability reported they had the most behavior problems. They reported on fewer behavior problems when their mothers perceived cohesion or adaptability levels as low. These findings were explained on the basis of different perceptual biases in parents and children. The auhtors hypothesized that adolescent children may require clear role boundaries and stability to promote adjustment, whereas their mothers may project their positive or negative emotional states on their assessments of children's behavior problems