Adolescents' health habits, coping styles and self-concept are predicted by exposure to interparental conflict

We compared self-reported health habits, coping styles (CRI), and self-concept (MSCS) in late adolescents (17-19 year-olds) with high- and low-conflict family history. The data confirmed that high family conflict had a negative impact on a variety of health habits or related attitudes, including less sleep, and compromised well-being. Total selfconcept scores were lower for high-conflict students as well as scores in the Family, Affective, and Competence subscales. High family conflict also fostered coping styles that were avoidant. The data lend support for biopsychosocial models that postulate family conflict produces stress which can, in turn, have a negative impact on health.