Coparenting, family process, and family structure: Implications for preschoolers' externalizing behavior problems

This study examined how aspects of triadic-level family interaction relate to preschoolers' externalizing behavior problems. The quality of coparentin g, family affective processes, and family structure was assessed at 3 years , and mothers, fathers, and teachers reported on children's externalizing b ehavior problems at 4 years. High levels of supportive coparenting and more adaptive family structures were associated with fewer externalizing behavi or problems, whereas high levels of undermining coparenting and negative af fect and less adaptive family structures were associated with more external izing behavior problems. Moreover, the quality of family affectivity and fa mily structure interacted with coparenting and appeared to influence its ef fects on the family. This study highlights the importance of focusing on tr iadic, family-level variables for understanding children's behavior problem s.