The link between child emotional and behavioral problems and couple functioning

Abstract

Although considerable research has examined the relation of couple functioning to child emotional and behavioral problems, comparatively few studies have examined the impact of child functioning on couple well-being and even fewer have investigated recursive or bidirectional influences. We review this literature from both perspectives, and differentiate among studies targeting overall couple functioning and those differentiating specific components of couple relationships such as communication, conflict, engagement, stress, co-parenting, and parental alliance. Similarly, we differentiate among studies examining overall child adjustment and those targeting specific dimensions of child emotional or behavioral functioning. Our review examines methodological features (e.g., study design, modality of assessment, and types of samples) and concludes with recommendations for intervention and future research.

Keywords:

• couple distress
• interparental conflict; child functioning
• family systems
• ADHD
• ODD