Pathways among marital functioning, parental behaviors, and child behavior problems in school-age boys

Examined two marital variables (marital dissatisfaction and overt marital conflict) and two parenting variables (rejection and inept discipline) as predictors 6 9 oppositional behavior problems in 50 school-age boys. It was hypothesized that the combination of these marital and parenting variables would provide an effective prediction of child oppositional behavior. The results revealed that the effects of marital dissatisfaction on child oppositional behavior were mediated by paternal rejection. Similarly, overt marital conflict had an effect on child oppositionality through disruptive effects on discipline practices by mothers. The findings are discussed in relation to various etiological models that have attempted to explain the link between marital variables, parenting characteristics, and children's adjustment.