Transmitting Methods of Conflict Resolution From Parents to Children: A Replication and Comparison of Blacks and Whites, Males and Females.

This study is an attempt to replicate a study of conflict resolution in the family by Steinmetz (1977). Her model indicates that husband and wife set the pattern for conflict resolution and this pattern is used in their resolution of conflict with their children and modeled by their children in their conflict resolution with each other. In addition, the variables of race and sex are introduced. The Conflict Tactics Scale was administered to students on two college campuses. The results agree with the Steinmetz study with one exception. The patterns of conflict resolution are similar for blacks and whites with one exception and there are several disimilarities between males and females relative to conflict resolution. When racial and sexual comparisons are made, the results indicate that the transmission of patterns for conflict resolution are not adopted by children in their sibling relationships.