Associations between trauma exposure and perceptions of conflict within the family system
Abstract
Many family systems are affected by trauma exposure, which can contribute to increased family conflict between youth and their caregivers. Perceptions of conflict may vary between family members, due to differences in age and cognition, which may impact interpersonal and conflict resolution skills. In this study, we hypothesized that higher levels of trauma exposure would be associated with higher levels of perceived family conflict for both youth and their caregivers, with greater effect on youths’ perceptions of conflict relative to caregivers’. Finally, we explored whether family income moderated these associations given evidence that low socioeconomic position can exacerbate the effects of trauma.
Primary Faculty Mentor Name
Cheryl Morse
Status
Undergraduate
Student College
College of Arts and Sciences
Program/Major
Psychological Science
Primary Research Category
Social Science
Associations between trauma exposure and perceptions of conflict within the family system
Many family systems are affected by trauma exposure, which can contribute to increased family conflict between youth and their caregivers. Perceptions of conflict may vary between family members, due to differences in age and cognition, which may impact interpersonal and conflict resolution skills. In this study, we hypothesized that higher levels of trauma exposure would be associated with higher levels of perceived family conflict for both youth and their caregivers, with greater effect on youths’ perceptions of conflict relative to caregivers’. Finally, we explored whether family income moderated these associations given evidence that low socioeconomic position can exacerbate the effects of trauma.
