The Link Between Financial Strain, Interparental Discord and Children’s Antisocial Behaviors

Using data from the Fragile Families and Child Well-Being Study, I examine the impact of interparental discord on children’s
antisocial behaviors in families facing financial hardship. Structural Equation Modeling analysis of 1222 pairs of parents
shows that financial hardship can create turmoil in families’ lives by increasing discord between parents. The findings are
consistent with the notion that children who experience interparental discord have a higher disposition toward displaying
antisocial behaviors. Multiple group analysis also reveals unique differences between mothers and fathers in terms of their
conceptualization of strain, discord, and child outcome. While both mothers and fathers may attribute different meanings to
financial adversity, their relationships with each other are significantly likely to suffer from household financial insecurity.