PERCEIVED INTER-PARENTAL CONFLICT, PSYCHOLOGICAL DISTRESS AND AGGRESSION AMONG ADOLESCENTS

Abstract

In today’s evolving family structures and rising academic demands, adolescents are increasingly exposed to emotional stressors rooted in their home environments. This study explored the association between perceived inter-parental conflict, psychological distress, and aggression among adolescents aged 13 to 17 years. A sample of 200 school-going adolescents was recruited through purposive sampling from various schools in Lahore, Pakistan. Participants completed the Children’s Perception of Inter-Parental Conflict Scale, the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale, and the Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 27. Pearson correlation assessed relationships among variables, while the Independent Samples t-test examined gender differences. Mediation analysis evaluated the role of psychological distress as a mediator. Results indicated a significant positive relationship between perceived conflict, psychological distress, and aggression. Males reported higher physical aggression, while females experienced greater psychological distress. The findings highlight the need for culturally informed, school-based interventions to support adolescents affected by family conflict.