Marital conflict and adolescent outcomes: A cross-ethnic group comparison of Latino and European American youth

Keywords

Marital conflict, Latinos, Adolescent problem behaviors

Abstract

Available research indicates a link between marital conflict and youth outcomes; however, relatively few studies examine these relationships in Latinos, the largest U.S. ethnic group. The present study examines this relationship in both Latino and European American families. Self-report data measuring externalizing and internalizing youth behaviors, along with overt and covert marital conflict, were used in analyses of 788 Latino and 751 European American adolescents. Results support current literature indicating a strong link between marital conflict and youth outcomes, regardless of ethnic group. These associations are similarly related for the differential effects of overt and covert marital conflict on externalizing and internalizing behaviors. However, overt conflict was significantly more predictive of internalizing behaviors than covert conflict. These results yield valuable information for clinical intervention and further research.

Original Publication Citation

*Stutzman, S.V., Bean, R. A., Miller, R. B., Day, R. D., Feinauer, L. L., Porter, C. L., & *Moore, A. (2011). Marital conflict and adolescent outcomes: A cross-ethnic group comparison of Latino and European American youth. Children and Youth Services Review, 33, 663-668.

Document Type

Peer-Reviewed Article

Publication Date

2011-5

Permanent URL

http://hdl.lib.byu.edu/1877/5385

Publisher

Children and Youth Services Review

Language

English

College

Family, Home, and Social Sciences

Department

Sociology

University Standing at Time of Publication

Full Professor

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