When the Conflict Reigns: The Moderating Role of Locus of Control on the Relationship Between Inter-Parental Conflict and Paranoid Thinking

Abstract

Background: Paranoid thinking, characterized by heightened suspiciousness and attribution of hostile intent, is increasingly observed in non-clinical populations, particularly among adolescents and young adults exposed to adverse familial environments. Inter-parental conflict is a well-established psychosocial stressor associated with various internalizing symptoms, yet its specific relationship with paranoid ideation remains underexplored, especially within collectivist cultures. Locus of control, reflecting individual beliefs about personal agency, may moderate the psychological impact of such conflict. Objective: To examine the relationship between inter-parental conflict and paranoid thinking in young adults, and to evaluate whether locus of control moderates this association. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted with 120 university students aged 18–25 years from the University of Management and Technology, Lahore. Participants completed standardized measures assessing perceived inter-parental conflict, paranoid thinking (R-GPTS), and locus of control. Correlation and moderation analyses were conducted using the PROCESS macro in SPSS, controlling for gender, marital status, and family system. Results: Inter-parental conflict was significantly and positively associated with paranoid thinking (r = 0.38, p < 0.01). Locus of control also showed a significant positive association with both variables. However, moderation analysis indicated that locus of control did not significantly moderate the relationship between inter-parental conflict and paranoid thinking (p = 0.09). Conclusion: Exposure to inter-parental conflict is a significant risk factor for elevated paranoid ideation in young adults. While locus of control is independently related, it does not buffer the impact of parental discord in this population. These findings emphasize the need for family-centered preventive strategies and culturally sensitive psychological assessments.