Sj. Schoppe et al., Coparenting, family process, and family structure: Implications for preschoolers' externalizing behavior problems, J FAM PSYCH, 15(3), 2001, pp. 526-545
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.