Cross-domain and interpersonal influence effects of interparental conflict: A novel perspective on understanding academic engagement

Although interparental conflict is known to harm adolescent development, the cross-domain mechanisms influencing academic engagement and the role of individual vulnerability remain underexplored. A total of 1,626 Chinese adolescents (44.9% male; Mage = 16.19, SD = 1.00) participated in a three-wave longitudinal study with 3-month intervals. Results indicated that interparental conflict negatively predicted academic engagement six months later. This relationship was dually mediated through the depletion of key psychological resources: decreased life satisfaction and increased internalising problems. Furthermore, neuroticism functioned as a key vulnerability factor, amplifying the negative effect of interparental conflict on life satisfaction and its positive effect on internalising problems. The indirect effects of interparental conflict on academic engagement were subsequently more pronounced for adolescents with higher levels of neuroticism. These findings highlight the importance of addressing family conflict and providing targeted support for dispositionally vulnerable youth to promote academic success and overall well-being.