The authors investigated children's reactions to nonverbal
expressions of conflict. Specifically, children ranging from
6 to 16 years of age were shown videotaped simulations of interadult disputes. Nonverbal conflict
expressions included 5 nonverbal expressions of anger (e.g., silent treatment, avoidant body orientation, avoidance via a barrier, exasperation, and intimidation), 1 nonverbal
Expression of sadness, and 1 nonverbal expression of fear. For comparison purposes, children also watched videotaped simulations that included 2 nonverbal friendly interactions (e.g., physical affection and positive facial affect), 1 verbal friendly interaction (e.g., positive discussion), 1 verbal expression of anger without a resolution (e.g., continued arguing), and 1 verbal expression of anger with a verbal resolution.
The findings of the study implied that nonverbal conflict behaviors used in parental disputes do not go unnoticed by children. Rather, children do react negatively to nonverbal conflict in ways that are similar to their reactions toward verbal conflict. Common reactions to nonverbal conflict included heightened negativity, hostility, and active avoidance. These findings contradict earlier findings that concluded nonverbal conflict behavior was not associated with increased distress in children (Jenkins & Smith, 1991).
One of the key findings was that adults' displays of fear produced greater feelings of negativity than any other nonverbal ending except sadness. The authors hypothesized that fear may produce more negativity than anger because it represents a more direct threat to children's emotional security. That is, a child may view a fearful parent as being more vulnerable and less capable of providing protection than an angry parent.
Overall, the results of this study suggested that children actively appraise the meaning of parental conflict, particularly as it affects their emotional security. In their active appraisals of family conflict, children may deem nonverbal expressions of conflict to be as threatening to their emotional well-being as angry verbal conflict. However, adults' expressions of fear may add significantly to the negative emotional security implications of conflicts.
The authors uged future researchers to continue to focus on understanding the heterogeneity of conflict. By acknowledging the multidimensional nature of conflict, researchers may attain a better understanding of the specific processes and stimulus characteristics that influence children's reactions to marital conflict.