There is conflicting evidence about the effects of parental conflict versus divorce on child wellbeing, as well as evidence for the existence of stereotypes about children of divorce. This study examined perceptions of child well-being based on parental marital status and conflict level. Thirty-one students taking social science courses at a southern Christian university each read 1 of 4 scenarios and evaluated the well-being of the children in the scenario. Conflict level had a greater impact on perceived well-being of children in intact families than those in divorced families, F(1,27) = 5.06, p = .03, η2 = .16. In general, perceived well-being was lower in the presence of parental conflict, F(1,27) = 22.09, p < .01, η2 = .45, but there was no significant difference, F(1,27) = 3.19, p = .09, η2 = .11, based on marital status. Participants’ perceptions regarding children’s well-being were consistent with findings regarding the actual effects of parental conflict versus divorce.

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