Socio-Psychological Characteristics of Family Conflicts in Young Families

Аннотация

Family conflicts during the first years of marriage often determine the further stability of the marital union and the psychological well-being of its members. The present study investigates the socio-psychological characteristics of conflicts in young families in Uzbekistan, emphasising value-motivational factors, communication patterns, and coping strategies. A mixed-methods design combined a structured survey (N = 312 spouses aged 22–32, married up to five years) with thirty semi-structured interviews. Quantitative analysis used hierarchical regression to identify predictors of conflict intensity, whereas the qualitative stage explored the subjective meaning attributed to disputes. Results show that incongruence in role expectations and economic stressors significantly predict verbal aggression, while collectivist value orientation mitigates escalation. Couples displaying high emotional intelligence and constructive communication report shorter conflict cycles and faster reconciliation. The discussion contextualises findings within structural-functional and attachment theories, proposes a culturally adapted model of conflict dynamics, and outlines practical implications for preventive counselling.