Family members' strategies as allies during naturalistic polyadic family conflicts. Issue 2 (26th October 2017) - Persram, Ryan J.
Abstract: This study investigated the strategies used by family members as allies during naturalistic polyadic family conflicts (i.e., involving at least three family members). Thirty‐nine families with two children (aged 4 and 6 years) were observed in the home setting. Employing transcripts of their interactions, emergent coding revealed five strategies used by allies: (a) social rule understanding, (b) control, (c) informational, (d) simple (e.g., dismissive), and (e) elaborate (e.g., proposals). Overall, both parents and children used control and informational strategies most often. Parents used each of the five strategies more often than both children, but control and informational strategies were predominant. Similarly, when older siblings assumed the ally role, they preferred control strategies, whereas younger siblings used informational strategies most frequently. The results emphasize the role of family members as allies during conflicts at home and are discussed in relation to parents' and children's cognitive awareness and learning of such strategies. Highlights: This paper examines the strategies employed by family members as allies during naturalistic polyadic conflicts (i.e., involving three or more family members). Families were observed at home. Parents and children preferred control and informational strategies, suggesting a social learning component during conflicts. Children's involvement as allies highlights their awareness of alliances and the diverse array of strategies associated with this role.