Emotional and behavioral consequences of family hostility: An investigation of substance and method

Abstract

The present study examined the effects which conflict and hostility in the family setting had on adult emotional and behavioral distress. Both substantative and methodological issues related to family conflict were addressed. Three main issues were investigated which addressed some of the limitations of previous family conflict studies. The first objective of the study was an attempt to reduce method variance bias by using multiple informants. Reports of mood, perceived hostility of family members, and individual hostility were assessed not only from the individual respondent, but also from other family members, and an outside observer. A second focus of the study was to examine whether a hostile environment influences mood; specifically, if aversive hostile experiences exacerbate negative feelings about self and other family members. Findings revealed that other family members' hostility toward the respondent predicted respondent's overt expression of hostility, as well as negative mood toward self and toward others. The third objective of the study was to examine whether hostile family interactions resulted in diffuse effects (e.g., hostility, as well as depressed mood and anxiety) or if there was evidence of a more specific effect. Findings suggested a specific effect, indicating a greater impact on the tendency for the respondent to respond in a hostile manner to others' hostility.