This research will examine a model of resilience among 8 year olds in the GUiNZ dataset, considering how some children demonstrate strength and low levels of anxiety and depressive symptoms in spite of stressful life events. Specifically, it is hypothesised that certain protective factors will mediate the link between family conflict and childhood emotional distress, including parent-child relationship, parenting style and external factors.

This research will focus on the 'strengths' on the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) as well as psychosocial and cognitive skills, low anxiety and low depressive symptoms, as indicative of psychological resilience despite stressors. Parenting characterised by warmth and connection, and positive relationships outside the family are proposed potential mediators. A cross-sectional regression analysis using mediation will be performed, with potential protective factors hypothesised to mediate the link between family conflict variables and childhood distress. GUiNZ dataset provides an invaluable opportunity to better understand resilience and positive childhood trajectories in Aotearoa New Zealand, where family conflict and stress is an important contextual consideration. Future research can build on this project to create interventions or therapeutic focuses on parenting and other protective factors for children facing family conflict.