The effects of parental discord on children's development has long been debated, with research in the field increasing dramatically in the past decade. Integrating and systematizing these findings, this book provides up'to'date descriptions of the causes and consequences of family conflict. For professionals interested in the family, the book describes how parents can handle their differences more effectively, and offers insights into the outcomes that are related to styles of family dispute. Other highlights include process and systemic perspectives; models of family and marital relations; illustrative case examples; reports on children's responses in laboratory and field studies; bottom'line prescriptions for parents, family therapists, and educators; and directions for future research. This book will be of great interest to family educators and family'policy makers, psychotherapists, social workers, family researchers, and parents. It is appropriate for courses on marriage and the family, child development, and family education.