Conflict and Well-being: The Mediating Role of Psychological Resources and the Moderating Role of Conflict Management Styles
摘要
This article examines intergenerational conflict between adult children and their parents in relation to the adult children’s subjective well-being. Based on a cross-sectional study of 1,088 Chinese adult children (50.6% male, aged 18–55), this research integrates family systems theory and positive psychology to identify the psychological mechanisms and boundary conditions underlying these associations. Structural equation modeling reveals that intergenerational conflict negatively impacts subjective well-being, an effect that is partially mediated by disruptions to resilience and self-expansion. Furthermore, multi-group analysis demonstrates that conflict management styles significantly moderate these pathways. Specifically, constructive styles (e.g., integration) weaken the detrimental effects of conflict on subjective well-being, whereas less constructive styles (e.g., obedience) intensify the depletion of psychological resources. By situating intergenerational dynamics within the context of family travel, this research extends theoretical understandings of conflict processes and highlights the importance of effective management strategies in preserving relational harmony. The findings offer conceptual and practical insights for designing inclusive, relationship-oriented family tourism products.