Marital conflict is linked to various child adjustment problems, including aggression, conduct disorders, and anxiety. Research indicates that the conflict itself, rather than the divorce, is primarily responsible for these issues. The impact of marital conflict on children is mediated by their understanding of the conflict, influenced by contextual, cognitive, and developmental factors. Studies show that exposure to frequent and intense conflict is associated with more severe adjustment problems in children, while the cessation of conflict is linked to reduced problem behaviors. Physical aggression in conflict is particularly distressing to children and may be more closely related to behavior problems than less intense forms of conflict. Children as young as 2 years old may be sensitive to the content of conflict. Gender differences in the association between conflict and adjustment are not consistently observed when marital conflict is directly measured. Clinic samples show stronger associations between conflict and child behavior problems than nonclinic samples. Age does not consistently relate to behavior problems, though younger children may be less aware of conflict and its implications. The mechanisms underlying the association between marital conflict and child problems include modeling, stress, and changes in parent-child relationships. Modeling suggests that children may imitate aggressive behaviors observed in parental conflict. Stress from exposure to conflict can lead to maladaptive coping strategies. Parent-child relationships may be affected by marital conflict, leading to deterioration in relationships and increased behavior problems. Inconsistent discipline practices, often resulting from marital conflict, are also linked to child behavior problems. Overall, marital conflict has a significant impact on children's adjustment, and further research is needed to understand the processes that mediate this relationship.Marital conflict is linked to various child adjustment problems, including aggression, conduct disorders, and anxiety. Research indicates that the conflict itself, rather than the divorce, is primarily responsible for these issues. The impact of marital conflict on children is mediated by their understanding of the conflict, influenced by contextual, cognitive, and developmental factors. Studies show that exposure to frequent and intense conflict is associated with more severe adjustment problems in children, while the cessation of conflict is linked to reduced problem behaviors. Physical aggression in conflict is particularly distressing to children and may be more closely related to behavior problems than less intense forms of conflict. Children as young as 2 years old may be sensitive to the content of conflict. Gender differences in the association between conflict and adjustment are not consistently observed when marital conflict is directly measured. Clinic samples show stronger associations between conflict and child behavior problems than nonclinic samples. Age does not consistently relate to behavior problems, though younger children may be less aware of conflict and its implications. The mechanisms underlying the association between marital conflict and child problems include modeling, stress, and changes in parent-child relationships. Modeling suggests that children may imitate aggressive behaviors observed in parental conflict. Stress from exposure to conflict can lead to maladaptive coping strategies. Parent-child relationships may be affected by marital conflict, leading to deterioration in relationships and increased behavior problems. Inconsistent discipline practices, often resulting from marital conflict, are also linked to child behavior problems. Overall, marital conflict has a significant impact on children's adjustment, and further research is needed to understand the processes that mediate this relationship.