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African American Family Functioning: Relationship between Parenting Dimensions and Family Conflict


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1 Old Dominion University, United States
     

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This study sought to examine the relationship between parenting dimensions and family conflict among African American families. Family conflict has a significant impact on family functioning and there is a gap in the research that identifies specific traits of parenting that are related to conflict. This study addresses this gap by noting relationships and utilizing a complex theoretical lens to explore findings. The research question addressed: What is the relationship between family conflict (the amount of openly expressed anger within the family) and the six dimensions of parenting (i.e., warmth, rejection, structure, chaos, autonomy support, and coercion) among African American families that access inner city Head Start programs? A relationship between parenting dimensions and family conflict was hypothesized. Survey methods were employed to examine fifty-five African American families. It was determined that a significant relationship existed between family conflict and structure. The relationship found between structure and family conflict can result from the restrictiveness, demandingness, and control found in the definition of structure. This relationship is examined through the lenses of Bowen family systems theory, conflict theory, and human ecology theory. Recommendations and implications for human service practice are explored as well as suggestions for future research efforts.

Keywords

Family Conflict, Parenting, African American, Head Start.
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  • African American Family Functioning: Relationship between Parenting Dimensions and Family Conflict

Abstract Views: 377  |  PDF Views: 2

Authors

Narketta M. Sparkman
Old Dominion University, United States
Tamikia Lott
Old Dominion University, United States

Abstract


This study sought to examine the relationship between parenting dimensions and family conflict among African American families. Family conflict has a significant impact on family functioning and there is a gap in the research that identifies specific traits of parenting that are related to conflict. This study addresses this gap by noting relationships and utilizing a complex theoretical lens to explore findings. The research question addressed: What is the relationship between family conflict (the amount of openly expressed anger within the family) and the six dimensions of parenting (i.e., warmth, rejection, structure, chaos, autonomy support, and coercion) among African American families that access inner city Head Start programs? A relationship between parenting dimensions and family conflict was hypothesized. Survey methods were employed to examine fifty-five African American families. It was determined that a significant relationship existed between family conflict and structure. The relationship found between structure and family conflict can result from the restrictiveness, demandingness, and control found in the definition of structure. This relationship is examined through the lenses of Bowen family systems theory, conflict theory, and human ecology theory. Recommendations and implications for human service practice are explored as well as suggestions for future research efforts.

Keywords


Family Conflict, Parenting, African American, Head Start.

References