Dyadic personality effects on family functioning in parents of newly hospitalized children

This study prospectively examined dyadic influences of parental personality on levels and change of family functioning in parents of a newly hospitalized child. A total of 183 couples whose child sought treatment for Type 1 diabetes, cancer, or an unintentional injury were assessed at 1 and 6 months posthospitalization with tests measuring personality, and family functioning. Analyses used structural equation modeling based on the actor-partner interdependence model. Family functioning in both parents showed substantial differential stability and interdependence. Mothers' Neuroticism and Agreeableness and fathers' Openness and Conscientiousness influenced their own family functioning. Fathers' Conscientiousness influenced their spouse's family functioning. Both parents' personalities influenced their family functioning over time, underlining that the parents' perspectives should be studied jointly.