More than One Way to Get There: Pathways of Change in Coparenting Conflict after a Preventive Intervention

Fam Process. 2015 Dec;54(4):610-8. doi: 10.1111/famp.12138. Epub 2015 Feb 11.

Abstract

This study explored pathways of change in the levels of conflict couples experienced after Supporting Father Involvement, an evidence-based, prevention-oriented couples and parenting intervention that included a diverse low-income and working class group of participants. Pathways of change were examined for couples with baseline conflict scores that were initially low, medium, and high. The growth mixture model analysis found that the best-fitting model for change in couples' conflict was represented by three distinctly different change patterns. The intervention was most successful for High-Conflict couples. This finding contributes to a growing literature examining variations in how relationships change over time and the process of change, especially for couples in distress. This study supports further investigation into the impact and costs associated with universal interventions versus those that target specific groups of higher risk families.

Keywords: Change; Conflict; Coparenting; Couples; Marriage; Prevention; cambio; co-crianza; conflicto; matrimonio; parejas; prevención; 伴侣; 共同养育子女; 冲突; 婚姻; 干预; 改变.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Case Management
  • Child, Preschool
  • Communication
  • Couples Therapy / methods*
  • Family Conflict*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Interpersonal Relations
  • Male
  • Models, Psychological
  • Parenting*
  • Parents / psychology*
  • Paternal Behavior
  • Young Adult