Abstract

Few studies address how relational factors may be interdependent and impact child-focused problems that could be collectively addressed in systemic family therapy. The current study utilized a cross-lagged panel model to explore the associations of parental anxiety, familial dysfunction, and child emotion regulation between four family therapy sessions. The study included 224 parents who sought family therapy and participated in the Marriage and Family Therapy Practice Research Network (MFT-PRN). Data were collected at two time points across four family therapy sessions. The findings indicated that higher levels of parental anxiety at intake were associated with higher familial dysfunction at session four. And higher levels child emotional regulation at intake were associated with lower levels of familial dysfunction at session four. Lastly, greater familial dysfunction at intake was associated with greater parental anxiety at session 4. Implications for clinical practice and future research are discussed.

Degree

PhD

College and Department

Family, Home, and Social Sciences; Family Life

Rights

https://lib.byu.edu/about/copyright/

Date Submitted

2025-08-13

Document Type

Dissertation

Keywords

parental anxiety, family functioning, child emotion regulation

Language

english

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