Learning from Bitter Memories: Frequency and Resolution of Interparental Financial Conflicts, Financial Beliefs and Behaviors, and Well-Being among Hong Kong Young Adults

Drawing from family systems theory and family financial socialization theory, we examined associations among interparental financial conflicts (IPFC), financial beliefs and behaviors, and well-being for 312 Hong Kong young adults (aged 18–30 years old). The sample was relatively diverse in age, income level, and education level; the data were collected in March and April of 2022. IPFC consisted of frequency and three types of resolution strategies: negotiation, hostility, and triangulation. Financial beliefs and behaviors consisted of money vigilance and healthy money management. Well-being consisted of financial well-being and life satisfaction. Conducting structural equation modeling and calculating indirect effects, we identified two key findings. First, IPFC strategies (but not IPFC frequency) spill over into offspring’s financial beliefs and well-being. Second, young adults’ financial beliefs mediated associations between IPFC strategies and young adults’ well-being. Collectively, our study extended family systems theory and family financial socialization theory in demonstrating that (a) family interactions and relationships—including IPFC— are a vital component of the financial socialization process, and (b) these processes are associated with young adults’ financial beliefs, and in turn, well-being.