Effects of Interparental Conflict and Cognitive Appraisal on Youth Mental Health

Parents play a fundamental role in shaping the emotional, social, and psychological development of children from an early age. The dynamics of the parental relationship, particularly in the presence of conflict, can profoundly impact a child’s mental well-being in the long term. This study aims to examine the effects of interparental conflict and cognitive appraisal on the mental health of Malaysian youth, guided by the Cognitive-Contextual Framework developed by Grych and Fincham. This framework posits that conflict properties and children’s perceptions of interparental conflict especially in the form of perceived threat and self-blame serve as crucial mediators influencing psychological outcomes. Employing a quantitative, cross-sectional design, this study involved 222 Malaysian youths aged 18 to 30 who had been exposed to interparental conflict. Data were collected via online surveys using the Children’s Perception of Interparental Conflict Scale (CPIC) and the 12-item version of the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12). The findings revealed that both interparental conflict and maladaptive cognitive appraisals were significantly associated with poorer mental health outcomes. Notably, self-blame emerged as the most prominent predictor of reduced psychological well-being. This study contributes not only to a deeper understanding of the psychological impact of family conflict on youth but also extends the application of the Cognitive-Contextual Framework within the cultural and familial context of Malaysia. The findings underscore the need for culturally sensitive psychosocial interventions and parental education programs aimed at safeguarding youth mental health.