A meta-analytical review of parent–child communication and children feeling caught between parents
Abstract
This meta-analysis reviews the findings from 38 studies (N = 19,123) examining the associations between antisocial and prosocial parent–child communication and children feeling caught between parents. Whereas the cumulative evidence indicates a moderate, positive association between antisocial parent–child communication and children feeling caught (r = .310, k = 31, 95% CI: .261, .357), it indicates a small, negative association between prosocial parent–child communication and children feeling caught (r = −.184, k = 14, 95% CI: −.124, −.242). Although both associations with feeling caught were stronger when researchers sampled young adult children as opposed to adolescent children, only the average effect size for prosocial parent–child communication was moderated by divorce status. Implications for family systems theory are discussed.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Child and Adolescent Psychosocial and Emotional Development
Attachment and Relationship Dynamics
Child Development and Digital Technology
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Communication Monographs
- Publisher
- Informa UK Limited
- Volume
- 93
- Issue
- 3
- Pages
- 417–438
- Publication date
- 26 January 2026
- Language
- EN