Conflict resolution strategy profiles and children’s psychological and social adjustment: A latent transition study

This study used a person-centered approach to explore elementary-school-aged children’s conflict resolution strategy profiles and the transition of the profiles over time, as well as their contribution to child adjustment. A total of 956 children from Grades 3–5 (M_age = 10.39 years, SD = .87; 43% girls) participated in the study at two time points. Four conflict resolution strategy profiles were identified: Problem-Solving-Oriented Profile, Proactive Strategy Profile, Nonconfrontational/Control-Oriented Profile, and Passive Strategy Profile. Children in the Problem-Solving-Oriented Profile exhibited more favorable psychological and social adjustment outcomes at both time points compared with children in other profiles. Children who remained in and transitioned into the Problem-Solving-Oriented Profile showed improved adjustment outcomes at T2, whereas children who remained in and transitioned into the other profiles were found to have varying degrees of decrease in adjustment outcomes at T2. These results highlight the importance of fostering problem-solving-oriented styles for children.