NCJ Number
215938
Journal
Youth & Society Volume: 38 Issue: 1 Dated: September 2006 Pages: 58-89
Date Published
September 2006
Length
32 pages
Annotation
This study examined how consistent and inconsistent combinations of parental marital conflict and disruption affected the overall health of children.
Abstract
Results indicated that inconsistency between parental marital conflict and marital disruption actually had a positive impact on the overall health of male children. No significant impact of either consistent or inconsistent combinations of parental marital conflict and disruption was found for girl’s health. Inconsistent situations are defined as situations in which low marital conflict precedes marital disruption as well as situations in which high marital conflict does not result in marital disruption. The findings support the stress-resistant hypothesis that suggests stress can have positive impacts on health. Data were drawn from the 1979 through 1994 National Longitudinal Survey of Youth (NLSY), which provides a unique opportunity to research children within the context of their family life. The sample under analysis was children who were aged 2 to 8 in 1988 and living in intake homes; they were followed until they were 8 to 14 years old in 1994. Major variables under analysis included childhood illnesses requiring medical attention in 1994, whether the child had a limiting physical condition in 1994, maternal child-rearing practices, child behavior problems, and precipitous drop in household income. Control variables included prior illness, household income, number of children in home, mother’s education, and remarriage. Data were analyzed using structural equation modeling. The positive health effects of stress found for boys in this study as well as for men in previous studies signals an important need for further research on the actual health effects of stress. Tables, figures, notes, references