Moderating Role of Extracurricular Involvement: Effects of Interparental Conflict on Adolescent Internalizing Behavior Outcomes
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Date of Award
Summer 8-1-2025
Document Type
Applied Project
Degree Name
Master of Science in Research Psychology (MS)
Department
Psychology
Supervisor
Dr. Jessica Fossum
Second Reader
Dr. Jenny Lee Vaydich
Abstract
This study investigates the longitudinal effects of interparental conflict (IPC) reported at age three and the impact on depression outcomes reported at age fifteen. Previous research has found significance in the role IPC exposure has on increased levels of depression seen in adolescence. In addition, the study examines whether involvement in extracurricular activities serves as a protective factor against the negative impact of early childhood IPC. Positive benefits of participation in extracurricular activities have been shown, but research has yet to start exploring if extracurricular involvement could protect against the development depression in adolescence. Using foundations in Resilience Theory, variables were modeled on to the risk-protective factor model. Extracurricular involvement is defined as the protective factor, as it’s predicted to modify the relationship between a risk and a negative outcome. Using a longitudinal design with data from the Future of Family and Wellbeing Study (FFWB) (Mage= 22.6, SDage = 2.38) a moderation analysis was conducted. Results for the moderating role of depression (p = .69) was found to be not significant. Findings aimed to inform early intervention strategies that support resilience-building through structured activities outside the home environment with results. This study aims inform and build upon existing parental conflict literature through exploring potential protective interventions. Although our study’s moderation analyses results were non-significant, outcomes still contribute to research on familial conflict and provides further insight to how these variables interact with one another.
Recommended Citation
Drew, Annabella, "Moderating Role of Extracurricular Involvement: Effects of Interparental Conflict on Adolescent Internalizing Behavior Outcomes" (2025). Research Psychology Theses. 37.
https://digitalcommons.spu.edu/rpsy_etd/37
Copyright Status
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