PARENTAL CONFLICT AND CHILDRENS COPING STYLES IN LITIGATING SEPARATEDFAMILIES - RELATIONSHIPS WITH CHILDRENS ADJUSTMENT

The influence of interparental verbal and physical aggression, childre n's coping styles, and relevant demographic factors on children's adju stment was examined in a group of 52 families who were disputing custo dy and/or access arrangements after separation. It was hypothesized th at parental conflict and specific children's coping strategies (i.e., cognitive redefinition and social support seeking) would be important predictors of children's adjustment. Consistent with previous research , aggressive styles of resolving conflict between parents were related to more frequent and severe behavior problems and diminished competen ce among children. Conversely, greater flexibility in coping and great er use of cognitive coping strategies among children were related to d ecreased behavioral disturbance. The unique and combined influence of these variables is discussed.