Abstract
Objective
This study explores the longitudinal association between the frequency of interparental conflict and parental literacy involvement among married couples. Couple relationship quality was examined as a potential mediator in this process, while conflict resolution was included as a potential moderator in the link between interparental conflict and couple relationship quality.
Background
Parental literacy involvement is an important factor in children’s early literacy development. However, few studies have examined how couple relationship dynamics may influence both mothers’ and fathers’ literacy involvement with their children.
Methods
This study used data from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Studies (ECLS-B) dataset. The final sample of our study consisted of 3,955 children and their families. 51.8% (n = 2,049) of the children were boys and 48.2% (n = 1,906) were girls.
Results
Couple relationship quality significantly mediated the relationship between interparental conflict and both parents’ literacy involvement. Additionally, constructive conflict resolution significantly moderated the association between interparental conflict frequency and couple relationship quality. However, no significant moderated mediation effect was found.
Conclusion
Findings suggest that conflict between parents may influence both couple relationship quality and parenting practices. Although constructive conflict resolution can buffer the negative effects of interparental conflict on couple relationship quality, parents’ literacy involvement with children can still be influenced by conflict regardless of resolution strategies.
Implication
These findings highlight the importance of developing intervention and prevention programs as well as couple therapies that focus on parenting behaviors and conflict resolution skills in the context of conflict to promote better family and child outcomes. © 2026 by the National Council on Family Relations.