Perceived interparental conflict predicts Chinese adolescents' externalizing problem behaviors: A moderated mediation model

This study investigated the mediating role of resilience in the relationship between perceived interparental conflict and externalizing problem behaviors among Chinese adolescents, while also exploring the moderating effect of gender. Using a sample of 491 junior high school students, we found that higher levels of perceived interparental conflict significantly predicted increased externalizing problem behaviors, and resilience mediated the relationship between the two. Furthermore, gender differences were observed: Girls exhibited a stronger association between interparental conflict and reduced resilience than boys, suggesting that girls may be more vulnerable to family conflict in terms of psychological adjustment. These findings highlight the importance of fostering resilience in adolescents, particularly for female adolescents, to buffer against the adverse effects of interparental conflict. The study provides practical implications for family interventions and school-based programs.