Dr Bonamy Oliver, Goldsmiths, University of London

Family processes and children's adjustment: Multi-level and multi-method approaches

Behavioural disorders encompass a range of childhood oppositional, disruptive and antisocial behaviours, and are the most common childhood mental health problem. Around 5% of children under 10 years reach diagnostic criteria (Sadler et al., 2018), and a further 20% are estimated to fall short of diagnostic thresholds but yet have problems that have long-term psychological, social and academic implications (Fergusson et al., 2005). Improving our understanding of the aetiology of these behavioural difficulties -- as well as potential mechanisms of change -- is critical. The pivotal role of family relationships in this context has garnered considerable attention over decades of research. Yet, the majority of studies continue to examine between-family effects, despite increasing recognition that relationships vary for siblings within the same family in ways important for children’s adjustment and intervention (e.g., Oliver & Pike, 2018). This talk will discuss between- and within-family factors in association with children’s behavioural adjustment.