The association between parental conflict and aggressive behaviour among young children in Botswana

Abstract

Research has revealed that parental conflicts can lead to devastating effects on the well-being and social behaviour of children. In recent decades, aggressive behaviour has become a focus of scientific interest, mainly because it may be a risk factor for bullying later during children’s development. Aggressive behaviour among young children is related to peer relationships, school variables, community variables, and, more importantly, family factors or parental influences. This study explored the association between parental conflict and the aggressive behaviour of young children in Botswana, using three districts called Kweneng, Kgatleng, and the Southeast District, which were selected because of their proximity to Gaborone. The study purposively selected 18 participants that comprised of three categories, namely, six parents who had recently experienced divorce or separation (within the last year); six children (between four and six) who witnessed parental conflict at home; and six respective teachers. Qualitative research methodology and a case study design was used. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews and focus group interviews for parents and teachers, whilst children’s drawings were used as another data source. The data analysis revealed that parental conflict is strongly related to aggressive behaviour among children, largely due to children copying or modelling the aggressive behaviour of their parents; children’s frustration leads to aggression, where the parents become aggressive due to their frustrations emanating from divorce or separation. The study revealed that parental conflict is accompanied by physical aggression, verbal and emotional abuse, and poor parenting; consequently, children use aggression instrumentally and defensively as a coping mechanism at school and home. Tip sheets were provided for teachers, parents, and district officials to assist with responsive and sensitive teaching and positive parenting skills respectively.