Linkages between Interparental Conflicts and Adjustment of Adolescents in Hong Kong: The Mediating Role of Locus of Control

Abstract

Interparental conflicts have long been recognized as a risk factor for maladjustment in adolescents. Many studies have been conducted to examine mediators that account for the negative effects of interparental conflicts on adolescents’ adjustment, well-being, and development. However, locus of control, which is about the extent to which people believe life events and outcomes are attributed to personal and/or non-personal factors, has not been examined as a mediator in this association. Hence, this study aimed to fill this research gap and tested the mediating role of locus of control in the association between interparental conflicts and adjustment of Chinese adolescents in Hong Kong. A total of 366 senior secondary school students in Hong Kong participated in the study and 353 of them provided complete data for analyses. They completed a set of questionnaires about their perceptions of interparental conflicts, locus of control, and adjustment and well-being. Results indicated that the associations between interparental conflicts and adolescents’ adjustment (measured by subjective happiness, life satisfaction, negative mood, and problem-focused coping) were significantly mediated by locus of control. A higher level of interparental conflicts was related to a lower sense of personal control in adolescents which in turn was associated with worse adjustment and well-being. Implications regarding the role locus of control can play in intervention programs are discussed.