Parents-Child Communication Conflicts: Predictors of Socio-Emotional Disabilities and Interactive Problems in Children

Abstract

Parent-child communication conflicts are in general cause of concern globally because it contributes in development of interactive problems in children. Present research examined the predictive relationship between parent-child communication conflicts and interactive problems in children with depression. The research also explored gender differences regarding parent-child conflicts and interactive problems. The sample comprised of 140 children (70 boys &70 girls), diagnosed with depressive symptoms (by hospital psychiatrist) was recruited from psychiatry out doors of public hospitals of Lahore. The mean age of the sample was (M=9.13, SD=1.42 for girls; M = 9.89, SD=1.20 boys). Parent-child communication conflicts and interactive problems were assessed through Parent–Child Conflict Scale (PACS; Barens & Olson, 1985), Centre of Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D; Radloff, 1977), and Child Adjustment Scale (CAS; Santrock & Warshak, 1979). The result revealed significant predictive relationship between parent-child conflicts and interactive problems in children. Parent-child communication conflicts emerged as significant predictors of interactive problems (socio-emotional disabilities, aggression and depressive symptoms) in children. The results can provide practical implications for health physicians and parents to get insight of these issues in children with depression.