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Satinsky EN, Kakuhikire B, Baguma C, Cooper-Vince CE, Rasmussen JD, Ashaba S, Perkins JM, Ahereza P, Ayebare P, Kim AW, Puffer ES, Tsai AC. Caregiver preferences for physically harsh discipline of children in rural Uganda. JOURNAL OF FAMILY VIOLENCE 2024; 39:861-874. [PMID: 38962696 PMCID: PMC11218336 DOI: 10.1007/s10896-023-00536-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
Purpose Physically harsh discipline is associated with poor developmental outcomes among children. These practices are more prevalent in areas experiencing poverty and resource scarcity, including in low- and middle-income countries. Designed to limit social desirability bias, this cross-sectional study in rural Uganda estimated caregiver preferences for physically harsh discipline; differences by caregiver sex, child sex, and setting; and associations with indicators of household economic stress and insecurity. Method Three-hundred-fifty adult caregivers were shown six hypothetical pictographic scenarios depicting children whining, spilling a drink, and kicking a caregiver. Girls and boys were depicted engaging in each of the three behaviors. Approximately half of the participants were shown scenes from a market setting and half were shown scenes from a household setting. For each scenario, caregivers reported the discipline strategy they would use (time out, beating, discussing, yelling, ignoring, slapping). Results Two thirds of the participants selected a physically harsh discipline strategy (beating, slapping) at least once. Women selected more physically harsh discipline strategies than men (b = 0.40; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.26 to 0.54). Participants shown scenes from the market selected fewer physically harsh discipline strategies than participants shown scenes from the household (b = -0.51; 95% CI, -0.69 to -0.33). Finally, caregivers selected more physically harsh discipline strategies in response to boys than girls. Indicators of economic insecurity were inconsistently associated with preferences for physically harsh discipline. Conclusions The high prevalence of physically harsh discipline preferences warrant interventions aimed at reframing caregivers' approaches to discipline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily N. Satinsky
- Center for Global Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | - Charles Baguma
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | | | | | | | | | - Phionah Ahereza
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | | | - Andrew W. Kim
- Department of Anthropology, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Eve S. Puffer
- Department of Psychology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Alexander C. Tsai
- Center for Global Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Tsunga L, Heron J, Lake MT, Halligan SL, Malcolm-Smith S, Hoffman N, Zar HJ, Fraser A, Stein DJ, Donald KA. Exposure to Violence and Mental Health Outcomes Among Pre-schoolers in a South African Birth Cohort. Res Child Adolesc Psychopathol 2024:10.1007/s10802-024-01211-y. [PMID: 38861248 DOI: 10.1007/s10802-024-01211-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024]
Abstract
Little is known about the relationship between violence exposure and mental health in preschoolers living in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Multiple regression analyses investigated associations between violence exposure and mental health in the Drakenstein Child Health Study (N = 978), a South African birth cohort. Lifetime violence exposure was assessed at age 4.5 years using the parent-report Child Exposure to Community Violence Checklist (CECV). Mental health was assessed at age 5 years using the Child Behaviour Checklist (CBCL 1.5-5). Eighty-three percent of the children were exposed to some form of violence. Internalising and externalising behaviours were positively associated with overall violence exposure (β per one unit change in the overall score = 0.55 [0.16, 0.94] and β = 0.53 [0.23, 0.84], respectively), domestic victimisation (β per one unit change in the subscore = 1.28 [0.28, 2.27]; β = 1.14 [0.37, 1.90]) and witnessing community violence (β = 0.77 [0.15, 1.39]; β = 0.68 [0.19, 1.18]). There was a positive association between polyvictimisation and externalising (β = 1.02 [0.30, 1.73]) but not internalising (β = 0.87 [-0.06, 1.80]) behaviour problems. Evidence for an association of witnessing domestic violence with internalising (β = 0.63 [-0.97, 2.24]) or externalising (β = 1.23 [-0.04, 2.50]) behaviours was less robust. There was no association between community victimisation and internalising or externalising behaviours (β = 0.72 [-1.52, 2.97; β = 0.68 [ -1.06, 2.41]). Observations highlight the risk for mental health problems among preschoolers living in high-violence contexts and emphasize the need for early interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucinda Tsunga
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.
- Department of Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom.
| | - Jon Heron
- Department of Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Marilyn T Lake
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Sarah L Halligan
- Department of Psychology, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom.
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, South Africa.
| | - Susan Malcolm-Smith
- ACSENT Laboratory, Department of Psychology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Nadia Hoffman
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Heather J Zar
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- The SA-MRC Unit on Child and Adolescent Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Abigail Fraser
- Department of Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Dan J Stein
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- South African Medical Research Council Unit on Risk & Resilience in Mental Disorders, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Kirsten A Donald
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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Rueda HA, Ward KP, Hoffman S. Parent Physical and Psychological Aggression and Youth Dating Violence: A Latent Class Analysis Approach. JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2024; 39:2460-2486. [PMID: 38149627 DOI: 10.1177/08862605231218224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2023]
Abstract
Adolescent dating violence is a national public health issue and research suggests that aggressive parenting may predict the likelihood that a child will subsequently experience abuse. The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of parent physical and psychological aggression on adolescent dating violence perpetration and victimization. Data derived from the Future of Families and Child Wellbeing Study resulted in a racially and ethnically diverse sample of adolescents in dating relationships at the age of 15 years (N = 952). Utilizing both parent and adolescent data which assessed parenting practices at ages 3, 5, 9, and 15, and adolescent dating violence victimization and perpetration at age 15, we analyzed the data using a latest class analysis. Youth were typologized into three classes: the non-physically aggressive parenting, nonaggressive dating class (Class 1; 16% of youth), the aggressive parenting, nonaggressive dating class (Class 2; 76% of youth), and the aggressive parenting, aggressive dating class (Class 3; 8% of youth). Parents across all three classes utilized high levels of psychologically aggressive parenting. An important finding from this study is that parents' use of both physically and psychologically aggressive parenting only predicted subsequent dating violence victimization and perpetration among a small portion of adolescents. Findings suggest that additional risk factors, including household income and adolescent impulsivity, may help to elucidate pathways to adolescent dating violence. There is also a need to further explore the resiliency factors at play for youth who, despite having experienced both psychologically and physically aggressive parenting across the lifespan, did not experience dating violence victimization or perpetration.
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Pesando LM, De Cao E, La Mattina G, Ciancio A. Status (in)consistency in education and violent parenting practices towards children. Soc Sci Med 2024; 351:116954. [PMID: 38759382 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2024.116954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 03/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
Violent childrearing practices represent an invisible threat for global health and human development. Leveraging underused information on child discipline methods, this study explores the relationship between parental educational similarity and violent childrearing practices, testing a new potential pathway through which parental educational similarity may relate to child health and wellbeing over the life course. The study uses data from Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys (MICS) and Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) covering 27 sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries. Results suggest that couples where partners share the same level of education (homogamy) are less likely to adopt violent childrearing practices relative to couples where partners face status inconsistency in education (heterogamy), with differences by age of the child, yet less so by sex and birth order. Homogamous couples where both partners share high levels of education are also less (more) likely to adopt physically violent (non-violent) practices relative to homogamous couples with low levels of education. Relationships are stronger in countries characterized by higher GDP per capita, Human Development Index, and female education, yet also in countries with higher income and gender inequalities. Besides stressing the importance of female education, these findings underscore the key role of status concordance vs discordance in SSA partnerships. Tested micro-level mechanisms and country-level moderators only weakly explain result heterogeneity, calling for more research on the topic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Maria Pesando
- New York University (AD), Division of Social Science, United Arab Emirates; McGill University, Department of Sociology, School of Arts, Canada.
| | - Elisabetta De Cao
- University of Bologna, Department of Economics, Italy; IZA, Germany.
| | - Giulia La Mattina
- University of South Florida, Department of Economics, USA; IZA, Germany.
| | - Alberto Ciancio
- IZA, Germany; University of Glasgow, Adam Smith Business School, UK.
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5
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Zhu Y, Zhang G, Zhan S, Jiao D, Anme T. Do multigenerational homes moderate the intergenerational transmission of maternal adverse childhood experiences? Eur J Psychotraumatol 2024; 15:2355757. [PMID: 38809612 PMCID: PMC11138223 DOI: 10.1080/20008066.2024.2355757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACTBackground: Maternal adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) may lead to increased behavioural problems in children. However, the mediating roles of psychological distress and corporal punishment, two common mechanisms underlying the intergenerational transmission of maternal ACEs, in these relations have not been examined in Chinese samples. Multigenerational homes (MGH) are the dominate living arrangement in China; however, limited research focuses on the effects of MGHs on the intergenerational transmission of maternal ACEs.Objective: This study explored the parallel mediating effects of corporal punishment and psychological distress on the association between maternal ACEs and children's behaviour and whether MGHs can strengthen or weaken the relationship between maternal ACEs and corporal punishment or psychological distress.Participants and setting: Participants were 643 three-year-old children and their mothers (mean age of 32.85 years, SD = 3.79) from Wuhu, China.Methods: Mothers completed online questionnaires measuring ACEs, psychological distress, corporal punishment, their family structure, and children's behavioural problems. This study used a moderated mediation model.Results: The findings suggest that psychological distress and corporal punishment mediate the association between maternal ACEs and children's behavioural problems. The mediating role of corporal punishment was found depend on whether mothers and their children reside in MGHs. MGHs were not found to have a moderating role in the indirect relationship between maternal ACEs and children's behaviour problems via psychological distress.Conclusion: Our findings highlight the importance of addressing psychological distress and corporal punishment when designing interventions targeted Chinese mothers exposed to ACEs and their children, especially those living in MGHs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yantong Zhu
- Faculty of Educational Science, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Gengli Zhang
- Faculty of Educational Science, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shuwei Zhan
- School of Education, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Dandan Jiao
- Department of Nursing, First Affiliated Hospital and College of Clinical Medicine, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Tokie Anme
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
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6
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Dănilă I, Balazsi R, Tăut D, Băban A, Foran HM, Heinrich N, Lachman JM, Hutchings J. Linking child adjustment difficulties with mother's maladaptive parental behavior: The mediating roles of parental cognitions and parenting stress. FAMILY PROCESS 2024. [PMID: 38769912 DOI: 10.1111/famp.13011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Child abuse is prevalent worldwide, with most of the burden in developing countries. To reduce and prevent child abuse occurrence, many efforts are directed toward reducing maladaptive parental behaviors (MPBs), a predictor of parents' risk of engaging in child abusive behaviors. MPBs have been associated with child (e.g., behavioral difficulties) and parent characteristics (e.g., parenting stress and parental cognitions), although little research tested for mediational pathways. This study aimed to test the pathways through which child and parent characteristics are linked to MPB. Consistent with the social information processing model of parenting, we hypothesized that child behavioral difficulties would exert an indirect influence on MPB through parenting stress and that parenting stress will exert a direct and indirect effect on MPB through parental cognitions (i.e., expectations, attitudes, and attributions). This study used data from 243 mothers of children aged between 2 and 9 years in Romania. Two-stage structural equation modeling was employed to test the hypothesized model. Results support the role of child behavior, parenting stress, and parental cognitions in predicting MPB (R2 = 0.69). Significant indirect effects were found from child behavior to MPB via parenting stress and parental cognitions. Direct effects from parenting stress and parental cognitions to MPB were significant. Findings show that parenting stress and parental cognitions are important mechanisms through which child behavioral difficulties influence maladaptive parental behavior, underscoring the need to focus on these mechanisms when assessing or intervening with families at risk for child abuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingrid Dănilă
- Department of Psychology, Babeș Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Robert Balazsi
- Department of Psychology, Babeș Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Diana Tăut
- Department of Psychology, Babeș Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Adriana Băban
- Department of Psychology, Babeș Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Heather M Foran
- Department of Health Psychology, University of Klagenfurt, Klagenfurt, Austria
| | - Nina Heinrich
- Department of Psychology, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
| | - Jamie M Lachman
- Department of Social Policy and Intervention, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Centre for Social Science Research, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Judy Hutchings
- Centre for Evidence Based Early Intervention, Bangor University, Bangor, UK
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Nuñez-Talero DV, González MR, Trujillo A. Play Nicely: Evaluation of a Brief Intervention to Reduce Physical Punishment and the Beliefs That Justify It. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 11:608. [PMID: 38790603 PMCID: PMC11119079 DOI: 10.3390/children11050608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy of the Play Nicely brief intervention in diminishing both the utilization of physical punishment and the beliefs that endorse such behavior among a sample of Colombian parents with children aged 2 to 6. Utilizing a quasi-experimental design, the research included pretest and posttest evaluations and involved both an intervention group (n = 37) and a control group (n = 29). The assessment tools used were a scale to measure beliefs about the positive impacts of physical punishment and the Physical Assault subscale of the Spanish version of the Conflict Tactics Scale Parent-Child (CTSPC). Parents participated in a single online session, which offered eight interactive options and lasted 10 min. The results highlighted a high prevalence of physical punishment within the sample (81.8%) and established statistically significant correlations between the justification of physical punishment and its actual use. Approximately one month following the intervention, there was a significant reduction in the employment of physical punishment among the intervention group (p = 0.009), and a notable decrease in the belief that "Punishment is the best alternative to control children's behavior" (p = 0.010) was observed. Consequently, the Play Nicely intervention proved effective in curtailing the use of physical punishment among parents of young children, demonstrating both efficacy and cost-effectiveness within a brief timeframe.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Martha Rocío González
- Facultad de Psicología y Ciencias del Comportamiento, Universidad de La Sabana, Chía 250005, Colombia; (D.V.N.-T.); (A.T.)
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8
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Ambrosio MDG, Lachman JM, Zinzer P, Gwebu H, Vyas S, Vallance I, Calderon F, Gardner F, Markle L, Stern D, Facciola C, Schley A, Danisa N, Brukwe K, Melendez-Torres GJ. A Factorial Randomized Controlled Trial to Optimize User Engagement With a Chatbot-Led Parenting Intervention: Protocol for the ParentText Optimisation Trial. JMIR Res Protoc 2024; 13:e52145. [PMID: 38700935 PMCID: PMC11102037 DOI: 10.2196/52145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Violence against children (VAC) is a serious public health concern with long-lasting adverse effects. Evidence-based parenting programs are one effective means to prevent VAC; however, these interventions are not scalable in their typical in-person group format, especially in low- and middle-income countries where the need is greatest. While digital delivery, including via chatbots, offers a scalable and cost-effective means to scale up parenting programs within these settings, it is crucial to understand the key pillars of user engagement to ensure their effective implementation. OBJECTIVE This study aims to investigate the most effective and cost-effective combination of external components to optimize user engagement with ParentText, an open-source chatbot-led parenting intervention to prevent VAC in Mpumalanga, South Africa. METHODS This study will use a mixed methods design incorporating a 2 × 2 factorial cluster-randomized controlled trial and qualitative interviews. Parents of adolescent girls (32 clusters, 120 participants [60 parents and 60 girls aged 10 to 17 years] per cluster; N=3840 total participants) will be recruited from the Ehlanzeni and Nkangala districts of Mpumalanga. Clusters will be randomly assigned to receive 1 of the 4 engagement packages that include ParentText alone or combined with in-person sessions and a facilitated WhatsApp support group. Quantitative data collected will include pretest-posttest parent- and adolescent-reported surveys, facilitator-reported implementation data, and digitally tracked engagement data. Qualitative data will be collected from parents and facilitators through in-person or over-the-phone individual semistructured interviews and used to expand the interpretation and understanding of the quantitative findings. RESULTS Recruitment and data collection started in August 2023 and were finalized in November 2023. The total number of participants enrolled in the study is 1009, with 744 caregivers having completed onboarding to the chatbot-led intervention. Female participants represent 92.96% (938/1009) of the sample population, whereas male participants represent 7.03% (71/1009). The average participant age is 43 (SD 9) years. CONCLUSIONS The ParentText Optimisation Trial is the first study to rigorously test engagement with a chatbot-led parenting intervention in a low- or middle-income country. The results of this study will inform the final selection of external delivery components to support engagement with ParentText in preparation for further evaluation in a randomized controlled trial in 2024. TRIAL REGISTRATION Open Science Framework (OSF); https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/WFXNE. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/52145.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jamie M Lachman
- University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Parenting for Lifelong Health, Oxford, United Kingdom
- University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | | | - Seema Vyas
- University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | - Laurie Markle
- Parenting for Lifelong Health, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - David Stern
- Innovations in Development, Education and the Mathematical Sciences International, Reading, United Kingdom
| | - Chiara Facciola
- Innovations in Development, Education and the Mathematical Sciences International, Reading, United Kingdom
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9
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Duong HT, Sirohi A. Where Do Perceived Norms Supporting Child Corporal Punishment Come From? A Study of Low-Income Parents. HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2024; 39:915-926. [PMID: 36959700 DOI: 10.1080/10410236.2023.2193754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Although the influence of perceived norms on health behavior has been well researched, the sources of normative perceptions remain understudied. Drawing on the theory of normative social behavior, this study investigated factors shaping descriptive norms associated with child corporal punishment among a sample of low-income Black, Hispanic, and White parents (N = 260). Hierarchical regression results showed that childhood experiences of corporal punishment, direct observation, and interpersonal communication valence were significantly associated with descriptive norms. Path analysis confirmed the direct association between descriptive norms and behavioral intentions, as well as the mediating role of descriptive norms in linking the norm sources and behavioral intentions. Results also revealed that interpersonal network size and interpersonal communication valence jointly affected descriptive norms among parents who talked to others in their proximal networks about applying this disciplinary measure. Theoretical and practical implications were discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hue Trong Duong
- Department of Communication, College of Arts and Sciences, Georgia State University
| | - Akansha Sirohi
- Department of Communication, College of Arts and Sciences, Georgia State University
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10
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Abrahamyan A, Soares S, Fraga S, Barros H. Prevalence of Parental Violent Discipline Toward Children: Findings From A Portuguese Population. JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2024; 39:1881-1904. [PMID: 38348947 PMCID: PMC10993632 DOI: 10.1177/08862605241230552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Despite recognizing the detrimental impact of parental violence on children's mental and physical health throughout their lives, violence remains an all-too-real part of life for many children around the globe. However, data on the child-reported prevalence of experienced family violence are scarce and primarily based on parental reports. This study aimed to broaden the body of evidence and measure the lifetime prevalence of child-reported experience of violent disciplinary practices perpetrated by parents and to identify its associated sociodemographic and economic factors. We conducted a cross-sectional study using data from 5,281 Generation XXI participants recruited from 2005 to 2006 in Porto, Portugal. Parental disciplinary practices were reported by 7-year-old children using the Parent-Child Conflict Tactics Scale. Pearson's Chi-squared test was used to compare differences in child-reported frequencies of violent disciplinary practices by sociodemographic variables. We observed statistically significant differences in rates of violent disciplinary practices according to the child's and parent's gender. Specifically, fathers exhibited a higher likelihood than mothers to engage in psychological aggression and corporal punishment, while mothers were more prone to engage in severe and very severe physical assault. When fathers were the perpetrators, boys were more inclined than girls to report all forms of violent disciplinary measures, and when mothers were the perpetrators, boys were particularly susceptible to severe and very severe physical assault compared to girls. In our study, children reported being frequently subjected to violent parental disciplinary practices, independently of family socioeconomic background. Children were more likely to experience psychological aggression and corporal punishment if they were born into high-income families, while severe and very severe physical assaults were more common among children whose parents had lower educational levels. National public awareness of the negative effects of violent disciplinary practices is urgently needed, promoting child-friendly and nonviolent approaches to discipline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Armine Abrahamyan
- EPIUnit—Instituto de Saúde Pública da Universidade do Porto, Portugal
- ITR-Laboratório para a Investigação Integrativa e Translacional em Saúde Populacional, Porto, Portugal
| | - Sara Soares
- EPIUnit—Instituto de Saúde Pública da Universidade do Porto, Portugal
- ITR-Laboratório para a Investigação Integrativa e Translacional em Saúde Populacional, Porto, Portugal
| | - Sílvia Fraga
- EPIUnit—Instituto de Saúde Pública da Universidade do Porto, Portugal
- ITR-Laboratório para a Investigação Integrativa e Translacional em Saúde Populacional, Porto, Portugal
| | - Henrique Barros
- EPIUnit—Instituto de Saúde Pública da Universidade do Porto, Portugal
- ITR-Laboratório para a Investigação Integrativa e Translacional em Saúde Populacional, Porto, Portugal
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11
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Sege RD, Purdue EL, Burstein D, Holditch Niolon P, Price LL, Chen Y, Swedo EA, Piazza Hurley T, Prasad K, Klika B. Predictors of Corporal Punishment during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Pediatr Rep 2024; 16:300-312. [PMID: 38651465 PMCID: PMC11036273 DOI: 10.3390/pediatric16020026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Although current policies discourage the use of corporal punishment (CP), its use is still widespread in the US. The objective of this study was to assess the proportion of parents who used CP during the pandemic and identify related risk and protective factors. We analyzed results of a nationwide cross-sectional internet panel survey of 9000 US caregivers who responded in three waves from November 2020 to July 2021. One in six respondents reported having spanked their child in the past week. Spanking was associated with intimate partner violence and the use of multiple discipline strategies and not significantly associated with region or racial self-identification. Parents who spanked sought out more kinds of support, suggesting an opportunity to reduce spanking through more effective parenting resources. Additionally, these results suggest that parents who report using CP may be at risk for concurrent domestic violence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert D. Sege
- Center for Community-Engaged Medicine, Institute for Clinical Research and Health Policy Studies, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA 02111, USA; (R.D.S.)
| | - Eliza Loren Purdue
- Center for Community-Engaged Medicine, Institute for Clinical Research and Health Policy Studies, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA 02111, USA; (R.D.S.)
| | - Dina Burstein
- Center for Community-Engaged Medicine, Institute for Clinical Research and Health Policy Studies, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA 02111, USA; (R.D.S.)
| | - Phyllis Holditch Niolon
- Division of Violence Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
| | - Lori Lyn Price
- Clinical and Translational Science Institute, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA 02111, USA
| | - Ye Chen
- Clinical and Translational Science Institute, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA 02111, USA
| | - Elizabeth A. Swedo
- Division of Violence Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
| | | | - Kavita Prasad
- School of Medicine, Tufts University, Boston, MA 02111, USA
| | - Bart Klika
- Prevent Child Abuse America, Chicago, IL 60604, USA
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12
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Qiu Y, Li M, Shi H, Zhao C, Du Y, Wang X, Zhang J. Depressive symptoms, parenting attitude, and violent discipline among caregivers of left-behind children in rural China: a cross-sectional study. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:994. [PMID: 38594654 PMCID: PMC11005119 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-18394-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The situation of mental health and discipline behaviors of left-behind children's caregivers were not optimistic in rural China. Caregivers' depression might increase the risk of using violent discipline. However, the specific ways in which depressive symptoms impact violent discipline have rarely been explored in rural areas. This study aims to assess the prevalence of violent discipline among left-behind children under 6 years of age in rural China and explore the potential mechanisms of how caregivers' depressive symptoms affect violent discipline. METHODS We enrolled a total of 396 pairs of left-behind children and their caregivers in our study, which was conducted in 5 counties of Hebei, Henan, Jiangxi, Guizhou, and Sichuan provinces in China. The depressive symptoms of caregivers were measured by using Zung Self-rating Depression Scale (ZSDS) and violent discipline was assessed by the Child Discipline Module of Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys (MICS). A self-designed questionnaire was utilized to measure caregiver's parenting attitude. Based on the cross-sectional data, controlling for potential confounders, structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to assess the direct and indirect effects of the mediation models by applying the weighted least squares with mean and variance adjusted (WLSMV) estimate. RESULTS The prevalence of violent discipline, psychological aggression, and physical punishment was 72.7%, 59.3%, and 60.4% respectively of left-behind children under 6 years of age. According to the results of SEM, parenting attitude acted as a suppressor, suppressing the association between caregivers' depressive symptoms and physical punishment/psychological aggression/violent discipline. The caregivers' depressive symptoms positively influenced all the outcome variables by affecting parenting attitudes (p = 0.002, p = 0.013, p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS The presence of depressive symptoms in caregivers increases the use of violent discipline through negative parenting attitudes. The mental health status of primary caregivers of left-behind children in rural China needed emphasis and improvement.
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Grants
- 860/A0/05/502/001/032 Grant United Nations Children's Fund, Beijing, China
- 860/A0/05/502/001/032 Grant United Nations Children's Fund, Beijing, China
- 860/A0/05/502/001/032 Grant United Nations Children's Fund, Beijing, China
- 860/A0/05/502/001/032 Grant United Nations Children's Fund, Beijing, China
- 860/A0/05/502/001/032 Grant United Nations Children's Fund, Beijing, China
- 860/A0/05/502/001/032 Grant United Nations Children's Fund, Beijing, China
- 860/A0/05/502/001/032 Grant United Nations Children's Fund, Beijing, China
- United Nations Children’s Fund, Beijing, China
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunfei Qiu
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, School of Public Health, Peking University, 38 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, 100191, Beijing, PR China
| | - Mengshi Li
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, School of Public Health, Peking University, 38 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, 100191, Beijing, PR China
| | - Huifeng Shi
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, School of Public Health, Peking University, 38 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, 100191, Beijing, PR China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, 49 North Garden Road, Haidian District, 100191, Beijing, PR China
| | - Chunxia Zhao
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, School of Public Health, Peking University, 38 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, 100191, Beijing, PR China
- Child Development Research Center, China Development Research Foundation, 136 Andingmenwai Street, Dongcheng District, 100010, Beijing, PR China
| | - Yufeng Du
- Department of Epidemiology and Statistics, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, 730000, Lanzhou, PR China
| | - Xiaoli Wang
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, School of Public Health, Peking University, 38 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, 100191, Beijing, PR China
- Institute of Reproductive and Child Health/Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, Peking University, 100191, Beijing, PR China
| | - Jingxu Zhang
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, School of Public Health, Peking University, 38 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, 100191, Beijing, PR China.
- Institute of Reproductive and Child Health/Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, Peking University, 100191, Beijing, PR China.
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13
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González MR, Trujillo A. Examining the Moderating Role of Parental Stress in the Relationship between Parental Beliefs on Corporal Punishment and Its Utilization as a Behavior Correction Strategy among Colombian Parents. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 11:384. [PMID: 38671601 PMCID: PMC11049352 DOI: 10.3390/children11040384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Revised: 03/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Understanding beliefs about corporal punishment is crucial, as evidence suggests that positive beliefs in its effectiveness predict its use. High parental stress, especially in those valuing corporal punishment, increases the potential for child abuse. Factors such as having many children or low education and socioeconomic status contribute to parental tensions, leading to the use of corporal punishment for behavior correction. We posit that the accumulation of such variables results in heightened stress levels. Our focus aimed to determine the moderating role of stress levels among parental beliefs about corporal punishment and its reported use through quantitative research. In our study, 853 Colombian parents of low, middle, and high socioeconomic status, and from four different regions of Colombia, with children aged 0 to 17 participated. They provided information about their beliefs on corporal punishment, using the Beliefs and Punishment Scale. Correlations indicated that older parents with better socioeconomic status were less inclined to believe that strictness improves children. Regressions suggested that increased belief in corporal punishment modifying behavior, along with higher parental stress, increases corporal punishment use. Moderation models highlighted that when more stressors were present, corporal punishment was used due to stress rather than parental beliefs. Ultimately, stress emerged as a crucial factor influencing corporal punishment use among Colombian parents.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Angela Trujillo
- Facuttad de Psicología y Ciencias del Comportamiento, Universidad de La Sabana, Chía 250005, Colombia;
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Tamayo Martinez N, Serdarevic F, Tahirovic E, Daenekindt S, Keizer R, Jansen PW, Tiemeier H. What maternal educational mobility tells us about the mother's parenting routines, offspring school achievement and intelligence. Soc Sci Med 2024; 345:116667. [PMID: 38364725 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2024.116667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Educational mobility at the macro-level is a common measure of social inequality. Nonetheless, the correlates of mobility of education at the individual level are less well studied. We evaluated whether educational mobility of the second generation (compared to the first generation level) predicts differences in parenting practices of the second generation and school achievement and intelligence in the third generation. METHODS Data from a population-based cohort of children in the Netherlands (N = 3547; 49.4% boys) were analyzed. Maternal, grandparental education and family routines, a parenting practice, were reported by the mother. Child school achievement at the end of primary school (∼12 years, with the national Dutch academic test score) and child intelligence (∼6 and 13 years) were measured in a standardized manner. Also, a child genome-wide polygenic score of academic attainment was calculated. To estimate the effect of educational mobility, inverse probability-weighted linear models and Diagonal Reference Models (DRM) were used. RESULTS Upward maternal educational mobility was associated with better offspring school achievement, higher intelligence, and more family routines if compared to offspring of mothers with no upward mobility. However, mothers did not implement the same level of family routines as similarly educated mothers and grandfathers who already had achieved this educational level. Likewise, children of mothers with upward educational mobility had lower school achievement and intelligence than children of similarly educated mothers with no mobility. Child's genetic potential for education followed a similar association pattern with higher potential in children of upward mobile mothers. CONCLUSION Policymakers might overlook social inequalities when focused on parental socioeconomic status. Grandparental socioeconomic status, which independently predicts child school achievement, intelligence, and parental family routines, should also be assessed. The child's genetic endowment reflects the propensity for education across generations that partly underlies mobility and some of its effect on the offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalie Tamayo Martinez
- The Generation R Study Group, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Fadila Serdarevic
- The Generation R Study Group, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Emin Tahirovic
- Association South East European Network for Medical Research-SOVE, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
| | | | - Renske Keizer
- Erasmus School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Department of Public Administration and Sociology, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Pauline W Jansen
- Department of Psychology, Education and Child Studies, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Henning Tiemeier
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, USA.
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15
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Hammad MA, Al-Otaibi MN, Awed HS. Child maltreatment among deaf and hard-of-hearing adolescent students: associations with depression and anxiety. Front Psychol 2024; 15:1287741. [PMID: 38414873 PMCID: PMC10897975 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1287741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective Child abuse and neglect have several short- and long-term consequences for the victim. Though Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing children are at higher risk of being maltreated as compared to hearing children, little research in Saudi Arabia has focused on this population. To determine the prevalence of child maltreatment and to examine its association with depression and anxiety among a sample of Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing students in Saudi Arabia, recruited from secondary schools in southern Saudi Arabia. Methods The sample included 186 Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing students aged 14-17 years (M = 15.7 years; SD = 3.41 years). Data were collected using the Child Abuse Self-Report Scale, Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale for Children, and Generalized Anxiety Disorder Questionnaire. Bivariate and Linear regression analyses were conducted using SPSS 20. Results About 47.3% of the students were exposed severe to very severe child maltreatment. The severity of maltreatment varied based on parents' educational and income level, number of children in the family, the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing student's gender, and parents' hearing status. Linear regression analysis indicated that child maltreatment was a significant predictor of depression and anxiety in this sample. Conclusion Considering the socio-demographic factors influencing the prevalence of maltreatment in the present study, it seems important to work with parents of Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing children to improve their skills in rearing a child with special needs. Addressing the social stigma and social barriers experienced by DHH individuals through familial, institutional, and community interventions may be a first step toward long-term prevention of maltreatment among DHH children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Ahmed Hammad
- Department of Special Education, College of Education, Najran University, Najran, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mansour Nayef Al-Otaibi
- Department of Education and Psychology, College of Education, Najran University, Najran, Saudi Arabia
| | - Huda Shaaban Awed
- Department of Special Education, College of Education, Najran University, Najran, Saudi Arabia
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16
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Pan Q, Chen S, Qu Y. Corporal punishment and violent behavior spectrum: a meta-analytic review. Front Psychol 2024; 15:1323784. [PMID: 38384354 PMCID: PMC10879622 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1323784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Corporal punishment is believed to precede various forms of violent behavior, yet prior research has yielded inconsistent findings, partly due to variations in violent types and other factors. This meta-analysis systematically reviewed 35 studies including 144 effect sizes (comprising a total sample size of 159,213) investigating the association between corporal punishment and a spectrum of violent behaviors called Violent Behavior Spectrum (VBS). Additionally, meta-regressions were conducted to explore the moderating impact of punishment severity, violence type and cultural context. Our findings indicated a significant positive relationship between corporal punishment and VBS (r = 0.238, 95%, CI [0.176, 0.300]). Notably, punishment severity was found to influence the strength of this association. Namely, The more severe the corporal punishment, the more likely it is to lead to VBS. These results enhance our understanding of the intricate connection between corporal punishment and various forms of violence, providing valuable insights for both parenting practices and policy development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingna Pan
- School of Criminal Investigation in People’s Public Security University of China, Beijing, China
- Investigation Department, Hunan Police Academy, Changsha, China
| | - Siru Chen
- School of Business, Hunan Institute of Technology, Hengyang, China
| | - Ying Qu
- Department of Psychology at Liaoning Normal University, Dalian, China
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17
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Carmel JF, Kutcher S. The Time Has Come to Repeal Section 43 of the Criminal Code. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRY. REVUE CANADIENNE DE PSYCHIATRIE 2024; 69:77-78. [PMID: 37291855 PMCID: PMC10789228 DOI: 10.1177/07067437231181831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Stan Kutcher
- Department of Psychiatry, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
- Independent Senator representing Nova Scotia in the Senate of Canada
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18
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Gonzalez C, Morawska A, Higgins DJ, Haslam DM. Psychometric properties of the parenting belief scale in a multi-country sample of parents from high-income countries. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2024; 147:106565. [PMID: 38000351 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2023.106565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Parents' beliefs about how private/public their parenting role is and their acceptability of the use of corporal punishment as a disciplinary measure have been associated with how parents raise their children and their willingness to seek support. However, there are no reliable and valid instruments measuring these beliefs. OBJECTIVE This study evaluated the psychometric properties of the Parenting Belief Scale, a self-reported brief measure targeting parents' perception of parenting as a private concern and their attitudes towards the use of corporal punishment. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING Participants were 6949 parents from several high-income countries (i.e., Australia, Belgium, Canada, Germany, Hong Kong, Australia, and the UK) who completed the International Parenting Survey, an online cross-sectional survey focused on parents' self-report of their parenting, children, and family. METHODS This study evaluated the internal consistency, factor structure (i.e., exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses), and convergent and discriminant validity of the Parenting Belief Scale. RESULTS Findings indicated that this scale was a relatively reliable measure to evaluate parents' perceived privacy in their role and acceptability of corporal punishment. A two-factor structure was confirmed by both exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses. Correlations with scales of parenting practices supported the convergent and discriminant validity of the Parenting Belief Scale. CONCLUSIONS This study supported the use of the Parenting Belief Scale across high-income countries to evaluate parenting beliefs in influencing parenting practices and parents' help-seeking behaviours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Gonzalez
- Parenting and Family Support Centre, School of Psychology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia; School of Psychology and Wellbeing, University of Southern Queensland, Ipswich, QLD, Australia.
| | - Alina Morawska
- Parenting and Family Support Centre, School of Psychology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Daryl J Higgins
- Institute of Child Protection Studies, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Divna M Haslam
- Parenting and Family Support Centre, School of Psychology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia; Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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19
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Kalil A, Corman H, Dave D, Schwarz-Soicher O, Reichman NE. Welfare Reform and the Quality of Young Children's Home Environments. Demography 2023; 60:1791-1813. [PMID: 37905475 DOI: 10.1215/00703370-11037907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
This study investigates the effects of welfare reform-a major policy shift in the United States that increased low-income mothers' employment and reliance on earnings instead of cash assistance-on the quality of the home environments mothers provide for their preschool-age children. Using empirical methods designed to identify plausibly causal effects, we estimate the effects of welfare reform on validated survey and observational measures of maternal behaviors that support children's cognitive skills and emotional adjustment and the material goods that parents purchase to stimulate their children's skill development. The results suggest that welfare reform did not affect the amount of time and material resources mothers devoted to cognitively stimulating activities with their young children. However, it significantly decreased emotional support provision scores, by approximately 0.3-0.4 standard deviations. The effects appear to be stronger for mothers with lower human capital. The findings provide evidence that welfare reform came at a cost to children in the form of lower quality parenting. They also underscore the importance of considering quality, and not just quantity, in assessing the effects of maternal work-incentive policies on parenting and children's home environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariel Kalil
- Harris School of Public Policy Studies, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Hope Corman
- Department of Economics, Rider University, Lawrenceville, NJ, USA
- National Bureau of Economic Research, New York, NY, USA
| | - Dhaval Dave
- Department of Economics, Bentley University, Waltham, MA, USA
- National Bureau of Economic Research, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Nancy E Reichman
- Department of Pediatrics, Rutgers University-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
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20
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Avezum MDMDM, Altafim ERP, Linhares MBM. Spanking and Corporal Punishment Parenting Practices and Child Development: A Systematic Review. TRAUMA, VIOLENCE & ABUSE 2023; 24:3094-3111. [PMID: 36177799 DOI: 10.1177/15248380221124243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Violence against children is a significant problem, particularly during early childhood development. Spanking and other forms of corporal punishment in child-rearing have been used by families worldwide to correct children's unwanted behaviors. Despite previous studies focusing on the negative consequences of these parental practices, open questions remain. The present study aimed to systematically review the empirical studies published in scientific literature that examined the associations between parenting practices of spanking and corporal punishment of mothers and their children's behaviors and development in early childhood. Search was performed in PubMed, APA PsycNet, Web of Science, SciELO, and LILACS databases using the combination of the following keywords: ((spank OR physical punishment OR physical abuse OR physical maltreatment OR corporal punishment) AND (parenting)) AND (child* development OR child* behavior). The inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied and 34 articles were selected for review. The inclusion criteria were the following: studies that evaluated associations between maternal spanking or corporal punishment practices and behaviors or development of 0-to-6-year-old children; quantitative studies; studies published in English, Spanish, or Portuguese language. The results showed that in 94% of the studies, there were significant associations between maternal spanking and corporal punishment with deteriorated child behavior and development, concurrently or later. In addition, maternal physical practices also acted as mediators or moderator variables in models that explained behavioral and developmental problems in early childhood.
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21
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Rhodes CA, Wolchik SA, Uhlman RN, O'Hara KL, Sandler IN, Tein JY, Porter MM. Effects of a preventive parenting intervention for bereaved families on the intergenerational transmission of parenting attitudes: Mediating processes. Dev Psychopathol 2023; 35:2482-2498. [PMID: 37559382 PMCID: PMC10947508 DOI: 10.1017/s0954579423000925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
This study evaluated whether the Family Bereavement Program (FBP), a prevention program for parentally bereaved families, improved parenting attitudes toward parental warmth and physical punishment in young adult offspring 15 years after participation and identified mediational cascade pathways. One hundred fifty-six parents and their 244 offspring participated. Data were collected at pretest (ages 8-16), posttest, and six- and 15-year follow-ups. Ethnicity of offspring was: 67% non-Hispanic Caucasian, 16% Hispanic, 7% African American, 3% Native American, 1% Asian or Pacific Islander, and 6% other; 54% were males. There was a direct effect of the FBP on attitudes toward physical punishment; offspring in the FBP had less favorable attitudes toward physical punishment. There were also indirect effects of the FBP on parenting attitudes. The results supported a cascade effects model in which intervention-induced improvements in parental warmth led to fewer externalizing problems in adolescence/emerging adulthood, which in turn led to less favorable attitudes toward physical punishment. In addition, intervention-induced improvements in parental warmth led to improvements in anxious romantic attachment in mid-to-late adolescence/emerging adulthood, which led to more favorable attitudes toward parental warmth in emerging/young adulthood. These findings suggest that the effects of relatively brief prevention programs may persist into subsequent generations.
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22
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Cuartas J. Corporal Punishment and Child Development in Low- and- Middle-Income Countries: Progress, Challenges, and Directions. Child Psychiatry Hum Dev 2023; 54:1607-1623. [PMID: 35482219 DOI: 10.1007/s10578-022-01362-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Most studies and reviews of studies on the developmental consequences of corporal punishment have focused on samples from the U.S. and other high-income countries. This study conducted a rapid review of the literature on the associations between corporal punishment and children's cognitive and social-emotional development in low- and- middle-income countries (LMICs). Information from more than 42 studies of children younger than 18 years living in 64 LMICs was reviewed. Overall, the reviewed studies show associations between corporal punishment and negative cognitive and social-emotional outcomes, and there is no evidence that corporal punishment may relate to any positive developmental outcome in LMICs. Yet, issues of internal and external validity are common in the literature. The current evidence indicates that corporal punishment might increase the risk of detrimental child outcomes in LMICs, but further research with stronger methodological designs including samples from multiple settings is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Cuartas
- Harvard Graduate School of Education, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Department of Psychology, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia.
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23
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Kang J, Rodriguez CM. Spanking and executive functioning in US children: A longitudinal analysis on a matched sample. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2023; 146:106474. [PMID: 37742555 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2023.106474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spanking has been linked to multiple maladaptive child outcomes. However, previous research linking spanking with children's executive function skills (EFs; inhibitory control, cognitive flexibility, and working memory) is limited by research designs that do not adequately address selection bias concerns, wherein the participant characteristics potentially differ between those who are spanked versus not spanked. OBJECTIVE Using a representative sample of US children aged 5 to 6, this study strengthened the evidence for causal estimates on the link between spanking and subsequent EFs with a matched-group design. Low-frequency spanking and potential moderators (child gender, parent race/ethnicity, parental warmth) were tested to determine if they moderated the link between spanking and EFs. PARTICIPANTS Data were drawn from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study, Kindergarten Class of 2010-11 (Ns = 12,750-12,830). To mitigate selection bias, entropy-balanced matching was utilized to match spanked versus not-spanked groups, and lagged dependent variable regression analyses were conducted on the matched sample to predict EFs by spanking group status. RESULTS After matching, spanking at age 5 was associated with lower inhibitory control and lower cognitive flexibility at age 6, but was not significantly predictive of later working memory. The association with inhibitory control was observed even for low frequency spanking. However, no evidence of moderation by child gender, parent race/ethnicity, and parental warmth was identified. CONCLUSIONS This study provides evidence that spanking is associated with lower executive functioning in children, although the associations varied by different EF domains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeehye Kang
- Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice, Old Dominion University, United States of America.
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Zhang Y, Liu J, Chen L, Yang T, Luo X, Cui X, Wu S, He Y, Lu J. Prevalence of co-occurring severe depression and psychotic symptoms in college students and its relationship with childhood maltreatment. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2023; 146:106470. [PMID: 37748208 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2023.106470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2022] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND It has been demonstrated that childhood maltreatment (CM) is associated with an increased risk of depression and psychotic symptoms. However, there is still a lack of studies on the prevalence of co-occurring severe depression and psychotic symptoms (CSDPS) and the association between CM and CSDPS among college students. OBJECTIVE We aim to investigate the prevalence and demographic distribution of CSDPS among Chinese college students and to examine its relationship with CM. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING A total of 7351 college students aged 18 and above completed the survey. Finally, 6854 valid questionnaires were included for further analysis. METHODS The Childhood Trauma Questionnaire and the item for witnessing domestic violence were used to assess the CM. The Prodromal Questionnaire-16 and the depression subscale of the Depression Anxiety and Stress-21 scale were used to assess psychotic symptoms and depressive symptoms. RESULTS The prevalence of CSDPS was 1.47 % among the college students. The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that emotional abuse and emotional neglect were associated with an increased risk of CSDPS (all p < 0.05). The risk of CSDPS was dramatically increased for individuals who had experienced ≥3 types of CM (OR = 22.929, p < 0.001), as compared to those who had experienced 1-2 types of CM (OR = 4.452, p < 0.001) and those without the experience of CM. CONCLUSION CM was found to be associated with an increased risk of CSDPS among the college students. Notably, experiencing more types of CM was also associated with a higher risk of CSDPS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaru Zhang
- Department of Psychiatry, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, and National Center for Mental Disorders, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410011, Hunan, China
| | - Jianbo Liu
- Department of Child Psychiatry of Shenzhen Kangning Hospital, Shenzhen Mental Health Center, Shenzhen 518003, China
| | - Lin Chen
- The First Clinical College, Changsha Medical University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Tingyu Yang
- Department of Psychiatry, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, and National Center for Mental Disorders, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410011, Hunan, China
| | - Xuerong Luo
- Department of Psychiatry, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, and National Center for Mental Disorders, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410011, Hunan, China
| | - Xilong Cui
- Department of Psychiatry, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, and National Center for Mental Disorders, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410011, Hunan, China
| | - Shuxian Wu
- Department of Psychiatry, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, and National Center for Mental Disorders, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410011, Hunan, China
| | - Yuqiong He
- Department of Psychiatry, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, and National Center for Mental Disorders, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410011, Hunan, China.
| | - Jianping Lu
- Department of Child Psychiatry of Shenzhen Kangning Hospital, Shenzhen Mental Health Center, Shenzhen 518003, China.
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Naudin C, Gatti V, Kounou KB, Bagnéken CO, Ntjam MC, Clément MÈ, Brodard F. Physically Violent Parental Practices: A Cross-Cultural Study in Cameroon, Switzerland, and Togo. JOURNAL OF CHILD & ADOLESCENT TRAUMA 2023; 16:959-971. [PMID: 38045833 PMCID: PMC10689656 DOI: 10.1007/s40653-023-00564-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
Violence against children and adolescents is a widespread problem. However, most studies conducted in this field has been carried out in Western countries and studies are needed in non-Western countries, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa, where rates of child physical violence are high. The present study aimed firstly to document the different forms of physical violence and attitudes toward corporal punishment (CP) across Cameroon, Switzerland, and Togo. The second objective aimed, on the one hand, to understand the influence of cultural context, childhood physical abuse, and parental attitudes on physically violent parental practices in these three different cultural contexts. On the other, this study aimed to investigate the mediating role of childhood physical abuse and parental attitudes on the effect of cultural contexts on parental practices. Five hundred and forty-seven parents from Togo, Cameroon, and Switzerland filled out questionnaires concerning violent parental practices (ICAST-P), childhood physical abuse (CTQ-SF), and parental attitudes in favor of CP. Firstly, results highlighted some cultural differences regarding parental attitudes and practices. Secondly, the hierarchical regression showed that physical violence could be partially predicted by the cultural context, childhood abuse, and attitudes in favor of CP. Finally, childhood abuse and parental attitudes mediated the link between the cultural context and parental practices. This study underscores the importance of considering the cultural context when examining parental practices. Moreover, these results provide a better understanding of these types of parental practices in less studied contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Naudin
- Family and Development Research Center (FADO), Institute of Psychology, University of Lausanne, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Veronica Gatti
- Family and Development Research Center (FADO), Institute of Psychology, University of Lausanne, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Kossi B. Kounou
- Research Team in Psychology, Orientation and Development, University of Lomé, Lomé, Togo
| | | | | | - Marie-Ève Clément
- Department of Psychoeducation and Psychology, University of Québec in Outaouais, Saint-Jérome, Canada
| | - Fabrice Brodard
- Family and Development Research Center (FADO), Institute of Psychology, University of Lausanne, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
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Larzelere RE, Knowles SJ, Adkison-Johnson C, Cox RB, Lin H, Mandara J. Ethnic Differences in the Effects of Five Disciplinary Techniques on Subsequent Externalizing Behavior Problems. MARRIAGE & FAMILY REVIEW 2023; 59:523-548. [PMID: 38322799 PMCID: PMC10846863 DOI: 10.1080/01494929.2023.2199732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
To identify disciplinary alternatives to replace spanking, this study investigated ethnic differences in the associations of five disciplinary techniques with subsequent externalizing behavior problems in a national sample of 7- to 11-year-olds with ANCOVAs and difference-score analyses. Most techniques led to significant reductions in externalizing problems for African-Americans or Hispanics, but only after overcoming known biases in ANCOVA and not for other European-Americans. Privilege removal had the most significantly effective results, followed by grounding. Sending children to their room and spanking significantly reduced externalizing problems only in one or two analyses for African-Americans, whereas removing children's allowance was significantly effective in one overall analysis. Parenting research needs to distinguish between more vs. less effective use of all disciplinary techniques across multiple situational and cultural contexts.
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Grujicic R, Toskovic O, Lazarević LB, Mandic-Maravic V, Mitkovic-Voncina M, Radanović A, Radosavljev-Kircanski J, Videnović M, Pekmezovic T, Pejovic Milovancevic M. How are parental practices and attitudes towards corporal punishment related to child academic, developmental, or psychological-emotional dysfunctioning? Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2023; 32:2175-2185. [PMID: 35948853 DOI: 10.1007/s00787-022-02061-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Corporal punishment (CP) is a widely spread disciplining practice among parents and caregivers globally. Our paper aimed to explore the relationship between the parental attitudes towards CP, expected outcomes of CP, and parenting practices on one hand, with the reported dysfunctions of their children, on the other. Additionally, we aimed to explore the relationship between the use of CP and the reported academic, developmental, and psychological-emotional dysfunctions of their children. The present study involved a nationally representative sample of 1186 parents in Serbia, who had at least one child aged 0-18 years at the moment of interviewing. The parents filled out a series of questionnaires on their attitudes towards CP, expectations of CP outcomes, and their parental practices. Findings indicate that parents that report having a child with dysfunctions have positive attitudes towards CP and expect positive outcomes of CP. These parents also report using more CP as a disciplining method, as well as other harsh disciplining practices. We also identified parental positive expectations of CP, use of physical assault, psychological aggression, neglect as significant predictors of reported child dysfunctions severity. Having all the results in mind, we can assume that children with health-related and school-related issues might be at potential risk of further maltreatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Grujicic
- Institute of Mental Health, Milana Kasanina 3, 11000, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Oliver Toskovic
- Laboratory for Experimental Psychology, Faculty of Philosophy, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Ljiljana B Lazarević
- Institute of Psychology, Faculty of Philosophy, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Vanja Mandic-Maravic
- Institute of Mental Health, Milana Kasanina 3, 11000, Belgrade, Serbia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Marija Mitkovic-Voncina
- Institute of Mental Health, Milana Kasanina 3, 11000, Belgrade, Serbia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Ana Radanović
- Institute for Educational Research, Belgrade, Serbia
| | | | - Marina Videnović
- Institute of Psychology, Faculty of Philosophy, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | | | - Milica Pejovic Milovancevic
- Institute of Mental Health, Milana Kasanina 3, 11000, Belgrade, Serbia.
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia.
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Ward KP, Grogan-Kaylor A, Ma J, Pace GT, Lee S. Associations between 11 parental discipline behaviours and child outcomes across 60 countries. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e058439. [PMID: 37903610 PMCID: PMC10619078 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-058439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/01/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To test associations between 11 caregiver aggressive and non-aggressive discipline behaviours and outcomes (aggression, distraction and prosocial peer relations) of children under 5 years in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs). PARTICIPANTS Data came from the fourth (2009-2013) and fifth (2012-2017) rounds of the UNICEF Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys. Analyses were restricted to households with children under 5 years, leaving a sample of 229 465 respondents across 60 LMICs. Data were analysed using Bayesian multilevel logistic regression. RESULTS Verbal reasoning (80%) and shouting (66%) were the most common parental discipline behaviours towards young children. Psychological and physical aggression were associated with higher child aggression and distraction. Compared with not using verbal reasoning, verbal reasoning was associated with lower odds of aggression (OR)=0.92, 95% credible interval (CI)=0.86 to 0.99) and higher odds of prosocial peer relations (OR=1.30, 95% CI=1.20 to 1.42). Taking away privileges was associated with higher odds of distraction (OR=1.09, 95% CI=1.03 to 1.15) and lower odds of prosocial peer relations (OR=0.92, 95% CI=0.87 to 0.98). Giving the child something else to do was associated with higher odds of distraction (OR=1.06, 95% CI=1.01 to 1.12). The results indicated country-level variation in the associations between parenting behaviours and child socioemotional outcomes. CONCLUSIONS Psychological and physical aggression were disadvantageous for children's socioemotional development across countries. Only verbal reasoning was associated with positive child socioemotional development. No form of psychological aggression or physical aggression benefited child socioemotional development in any country. Greater emphasis should be dedicated to reducing parental use of psychological and physical aggression across cultural contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Julie Ma
- Social Work, University of Michigan-Flint, Flint, Michigan, USA
| | - Garrett T Pace
- School of Social Work, University of Nevada Las Vegas, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
| | - Shawna Lee
- School of Social Work, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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Polick CS, Ploutz-Snyder R, Braley TJ, Connell CM, Stoddard SA. Fatigue, pain interference, and psychiatric morbidity in multiple sclerosis: The role of childhood stress. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0292233. [PMID: 37851620 PMCID: PMC10584096 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0292233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a progressive, autoimmune disease of the central nervous system that affects nearly one million Americans. Despite the existence of immunomodulatory therapies to slow physical and cognitive disability progression, interventions to ameliorate common symptoms of MS, including fatigue and pain, remain limited. Poor understanding of risk factors for these symptoms may contribute to treatment challenges. In recent years, childhood stress has been investigated as a risk factor for chronic autoimmune conditions including MS; yet remarkably few studies have investigated the relationship between childhood stressors and chronic MS symptoms. Our aim was to examine clusters of stressors and three key features of MS: fatigue, pain interference, and psychiatric morbidity. METHODS Cross-sectional data were collected from a sample of People with MS (PwMS) via a national web-based survey that assessed the presence and type of childhood stressors and MS clinical features. Hierarchical block regression was used to assess associations among emotional, physical, and environmental childhood stressors and three clinical features commonly experienced by PwMS. RESULTS N = 719 adults with MS (aged 21-85) completed the survey. Childhood emotional and physical stressors were significantly associated with overall presence of fatigue (p = 0.02; p<0.03) and pain interference (p<0.001; p<0.001) in adulthood, as well as the magnitude of both outcomes. Environmental stressors (p<0.001), in addition to emotional (p<0.001) and physical (p<0.001) stressors were significantly associated with psychiatric morbidity in PwMS. CONCLUSION Childhood stress may predict fatigue, psychiatric morbidity, and pain in adults with MS. Further research is needed to show cause and effect; however, if an association exists, strategies to mitigate the impact of childhood stress could offer new pathways to reduce the severity of these symptoms. Broadly, this work adds to the body of evidence supporting upstream preventive measures to help address the stress on children and families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carri S. Polick
- School of Nursing, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States of America
- Durham VA Health Care System, Durham, NC, United States of America
| | - Robert Ploutz-Snyder
- School of Nursing, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America
| | - Tiffany J. Braley
- Division of Multiple Sclerosis & Neuroimmunology, Department of Neurology, Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America
| | - Cathleen M. Connell
- School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America
| | - Sarah A. Stoddard
- School of Nursing, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America
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Bendel-Stenzel LC, An D, Kochanska G. Revisiting the debate on effects of parental power-assertive control in two longitudinal studies: early attachment security as a moderator. Attach Hum Dev 2023; 25:461-486. [PMID: 37791805 PMCID: PMC10841061 DOI: 10.1080/14616734.2023.2262979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
Although there is a consensus that harsh, hostile, abusive discipline has uniformly adverse effects on children, scholars continue to debate implications of varying degrees of power assertion commonly used by most parents in daily interactions with young children. Attachment theory can inform this debate, as early attachment organization can serve as a catalyst, or moderator, of future socialization trajectories. Specifically, insecure attachment can amplify, whereas secure attachment can attenuate, detrimental effects of parental power-assertive control. In two community studies of mothers, fathers, and infants, Family Study (FS, N = 102), and Children and Parents Study (CAPS, N = 200), we assessed attachment security in infancy, parental power-assertive control at 4.5 years in FS and at 16 months in CAPS, and child positive orientation to the parent at 10 years in FS and at 3 years in CAPS. In both studies, fathers' power-assertive control undermined children's positive orientation toward the fathers, but only for children with less secure attachment histories in infancy (Attachment Q-Set in FS and Strange Situation Paradigm in CAPS), and not for those with more secure histories. The findings highlight indirect yet powerful, long-term effects of the early parent-child security, and suggest distinct processes in mother- and father-child dyads.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lilly C Bendel-Stenzel
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, US
| | - Danming An
- Department of Psychology, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA, US
| | - Grazyna Kochanska
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, US
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Allison MA, Beers N, Peterson JW. Corporal Punishment in Schools. Pediatrics 2023; 152:e2023063284. [PMID: 37599648 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2023-063284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The use of corporal punishment in schools is not an effective or ethical method for management of behavior concerns and causes harm to students. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that corporal punishment in all school settings be abolished in all states by law and replaced by alternative forms of student behavior management. Corporal punishment remains legal in many public and private schools in the United States and is disproportionately used among Black students and children with disabilities. The aims of this policy statement are to review the incidence of school-based corporal punishment; the negative physical, psychological, and developmental impact of corporal punishment on students; and the need for continued advocacy by pediatricians, educators, and parents to abolish corporal punishment in all schools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mandy A Allison
- Adult and Child Center for Outcomes Research and Delivery Science, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Nathaniel Beers
- Community and Population Health, Children's National Hospital, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Jaime W Peterson
- Department of Pediatrics, Oregon Health and Science University and OHSU-PSU School of Public Health, Portland, Oregon
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32
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Corporal Punishment. JOURNAL OF FORENSIC NURSING 2023; 19:E39-E41. [PMID: 37590947 DOI: 10.1097/jfn.0000000000000433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Globally, it is estimated that more than one billion children experience corporal punishment in the home despite the fact that the use of corporal punishment is associated with a variety of negative consequences for children. The International Association of Forensic Nurses opposes the use of corporal punishment and encourages screening and education on its effects in health and school settings.
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33
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Gagné MH, Clément MÈ, Milot T, Paradis H, Voyer-Perron P. Comparative efficacy of the Triple P program on parenting practices and family violence against children. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2023; 141:106204. [PMID: 37119691 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2023.106204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Revised: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Triple P - Positive Parenting Program was rolled-out in two communities in Quebec, Canada, in order to prevent child maltreatment. OBJECTIVES (1) Evaluate the effects of Triple P versus care as usual on positive parenting practices, dysfunctional disciplinary practices, and family violence towards the child; (2) verify whether the observed changes persisted over time. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING A quasi-experimental protocol with an active comparison group was used. Participants were 384 parents or parental figures of at least one 0-12-year-old child, assigned to one of two groups: Triple P (n = 291) and Care as usual (n = 93). We conducted a follow-up study with 164 parents from the Triple P group. METHODS We administered questionnaires at pretest, post-test, and follow-up. Standardized instruments measured positive parenting practices, dysfunctional disciplinary practices (overreactivity, laxness, hostility), and family violence towards the child (repeated psychological aggression, minor physical violence). The intervention dose received by each parent was calculated from data provided by practitioners. RESULTS Belonging to the Triple P group was associated with increased positive practices and decreased overreactive and hostile discipline. A higher dose of intervention was associated with a decrease in laxness. All observed changes were maintained at follow-up, with medium (η2p = 0.073, hostility) to large (η2p = 0.271, overreactivity) effect sizes. Also, Triple P was more effective in reducing minor physical violence, this effect persisting over time (from 36 % to 21 %). CONCLUSIONS This study supports the sustainable efficacy of the Triple P parenting program, except for repeated psychological aggression towards children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Hélène Gagné
- School of Psychology, Université Laval, 2325 rue des Bibliothèques, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada.
| | - Marie-Ève Clément
- Department of Psychoeducation and Psychology, Université du Québec en Outaouais, 5 rue Saint-Joseph, Saint-Jérôme, QC J7Z 0B7, Canada.
| | - Tristan Milot
- Department of Psychoeducation, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, 3351 boulevard des Forges, Trois-Rivières, QC G8Z 4M3, Canada.
| | - Hélène Paradis
- School of Psychology, Université Laval, 2325 rue des Bibliothèques, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada.
| | - Pascale Voyer-Perron
- School of Psychology, Université Laval, 2325 rue des Bibliothèques, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada.
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Sudo M, Won YQ, Chau WWY, Meaney MJ, Kee MZL, Chen H, Eriksson JG, Yap F, Rifkin-Graboi A, Tiemeier H, Setoh P. Physical discipline as a normative childhood experience in Singapore. Child Adolesc Psychiatry Ment Health 2023; 17:81. [PMID: 37386570 PMCID: PMC10311744 DOI: 10.1186/s13034-023-00632-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The cultural normativeness theory posits that specific parenting behaviors can be interpreted as displays of appropriate parenting in contexts where they are deemed normative. Previous studies suggest high acceptance of physical discipline in Singapore, where strict parenting could be interpreted as care for the child. However, there is a lack of studies on the local prevalence and implications of physical discipline. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of Singaporean children experiencing parental physical discipline, longitudinal changes in this prevalence, and how exposure to physical discipline relates to children's evaluation of their parents' parenting. METHODS Participants were 710 children with parental reports of physical discipline at one or more assessments at ages 4.5, 6, 9, and 11 years in the Growing Up in Singapore Towards healthy Outcomes birth cohort study. Parental reports of physical discipline were obtained using the Parenting Styles and Dimensions Questionnaire or the Alabama Parenting Questionnaire across the four assessments. Child reports of their parents' care and control were obtained using the Parental Bonding Instrument for Children at the age 9 assessment. Prevalence was specified as being exposed to at least one physical discipline at any frequency. A generalized linear mixed model was performed to examine whether children's age predicted their exposure to physical discipline. Linear regression analyses were conducted to investigate whether children's exposure to physical discipline predicted their evaluation of their parents' parenting. RESULTS The prevalence of children experiencing at least one physical discipline was above 80% at all ages. There was a decrease in this prevalence from age 4.5 to 11 years (B = - 0.14, SE = 0.01, OR = 0.87, p < 0.001). The more frequent the paternal physical discipline children were exposed to, the more likely they were to report lower levels of care (B = - 1.74, SE = 0.66, p = 0.03) and higher levels of denial of psychological autonomy by fathers (B = 1.05, SE = 0.45, p = 0.04). Maternal physical discipline was not significantly associated with children's evaluation of their mothers' parenting (ps ≥ 0.53). CONCLUSIONS Physical discipline was a common experience among our Singaporean sample, consistent with the notion that strict parenting could be regarded as a form of care. However, exposure to physical discipline did not translate to children reporting their parents as caring, with paternal physical discipline being negatively associated with children's evaluations of paternal care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mioko Sudo
- Psychology Division, School of Social Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 48 Nanyang Ave, Singapore, 639818, Singapore
| | - Ying Qing Won
- Psychology Division, School of Social Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 48 Nanyang Ave, Singapore, 639818, Singapore
| | - Winnie W Y Chau
- Department of Psychology, National University of Singapore, 9 Arts Link, Singapore, 117570, Singapore
| | - Michael J Meaney
- Agency for Science, Technology and Research (ASTAR), 30 Medical Drive, Brenner Centre for Molecular Medicine, Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences (SICS), Singapore, 117609, Singapore
- Sackler Program for Epigenetics & Psychobiology, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, McGill University, 6875 Boulevard LaSalle, Montréal, QC, H4H 1R3, Canada
- Ludmer Centre for Neuroinformatics and Mental Health, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, McGill University, 6875 Boulevard LaSalle, Montréal, QC, H4H 1R3, Canada
| | - Michelle Z L Kee
- Agency for Science, Technology and Research (ASTAR), 30 Medical Drive, Brenner Centre for Molecular Medicine, Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences (SICS), Singapore, 117609, Singapore
| | - Helen Chen
- Department of Psychological Medicine, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, 100 Bukit Timah Road, Singapore, 229899, Singapore
- Duke-NUS Medical School, 8 College Rd, Singapore, 169857, Singapore
| | - Johan Gunnar Eriksson
- Agency for Science, Technology and Research (ASTAR), 30 Medical Drive, Brenner Centre for Molecular Medicine, Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences (SICS), Singapore, 117609, Singapore
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Human Potential Translational Research Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 10 Medical Dr, Singapore, 117597, Singapore
- Human Potential Translational Research Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 10 Medical Dr, Singapore, 117597, Singapore
- Department of General Practice and Primary Health Care, University of Helsinki, Tukholmankatu 8 B, 00290, Helsinki, Finland
- Public Health Research Program, Folkhälsan Research Center, Topeliuksenkatu 20, 00250, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Fabian Yap
- Department of Paediatrics, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, 100 Bukit Timah Road, Singapore, 229899, Singapore
- Academic Medicine Department, Duke-NUS Medical School, 8 College Rd, Singapore, 169857, Singapore
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, 59 Nanyang Dr, Singapore, 636921, Singapore
| | - Anne Rifkin-Graboi
- Centre for Research in Child Development, National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University, 1 Nanyang Walk, Singapore, 637616, Singapore
| | - Henning Tiemeier
- Department of Social and Behavioral Science, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, 677 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Peipei Setoh
- Psychology Division, School of Social Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 48 Nanyang Ave, Singapore, 639818, Singapore.
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Tarsha MS, Narvaez D. The evolved nest, oxytocin functioning, and prosocial development. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1113944. [PMID: 37425179 PMCID: PMC10323226 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1113944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Prosociality, orientation to attuned, empathic relationships, is built from the ground up, through supportive care in early life that fosters healthy neurobiological structures that shape behavior. Numerous social and environmental factors within early life have been identified as critical variables influencing child physiological and psychological outcomes indicating a growing need to synthesize which factors are the most influential. To address this gap, we examined the influence of early life experiences according to the evolved developmental niche or evolved nest and its influence on child neurobiological and sociomoral outcomes, specifically, the oxytocinergic system and prosociality, respectively. To-date, this is the first review to utilize the evolved nest framework as an investigatory lens to probe connections between early life experience and child neurobiological and sociomoral outcomes. The evolved nest is comprised of characteristics over 30 million years old and is organized to meet a child's basic needs as they mature. Converging evidence indicates that humanity's evolved nest meets the needs of a rapidly developing brain, optimizing normal development. The evolved nest for young children includes soothing perinatal experiences, breastfeeding, positive touch, responsive care, multiple allomothers, self-directed play, social embeddedness, and nature immersion. We examined what is known about the effects of each evolved nest component on oxytocinergic functioning, a critical neurobiological building block for pro-sociomorality. We also examined the effects of the evolved nest on prosociality generally. We reviewed empirical studies from human and animal research, meta-analyses and theoretical articles. The review suggests that evolved nest components influence oxytocinergic functioning in parents and children and help form the foundations for prosociality. Future research and policy should consider the importance of the first years of life in programming the neuroendocrine system that undergirds wellbeing and prosociality. Complex, interaction effects among evolved nest components as well as among physiological and sociomoral processes need to be studied. The most sensible framework for examining what builds and enhances prosociality may be the millions-year-old evolved nest.
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Perron-Tremblay R, Clément MÈ, Dubois-Comtois K. Fear of COVID-19 and parental violence: The mediating role of parental burnout and child perceived as difficult. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2023; 143:106284. [PMID: 37352648 PMCID: PMC10267501 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2023.106284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 05/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a worldwide increase in the incidence of child abuse. Studies show that the pandemic context contributes to exacerbate several risk factors usually associated with the use of violent disciplinary practices. OBJECTIVE This study aims to better understand the role of parental burnout and child perceived as difficult as a parental stressor in the link between fear of COVID-19 and the use of parental violence (minor and severe physical violence and repeated psychological aggression). PARTICIPANTS The sample includes 467 mothers living in Québec (Canada) with a child aged 5 or less. METHOD An online questionnaire, administered one year after the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in Québec (March to May 2021), was used to measure parental violence, parental burnout, parental stress related to the perception of the child as difficult and fear of COVID-19. Serial mediation analyses were performed. RESULTS The main analyses confirmed the indirect association between fear of COVID-19 and the three forms of parental violence studied, through parental burnout and the child perceived as difficult. Unlike physical violence (minor and severe), the association between fear of COVID-19 and repeated psychological aggression is explained only by parental burnout. CONCLUSIONS This study has identified new mechanisms that allow a better understanding of processes underlying parental violence during the pandemic. It also shows that parental violence can also occur in low-risk families. It is crucial to develop strategies to prevent the use of violent disciplinary practices in future socio-health crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roxanne Perron-Tremblay
- Département de psychologie, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, 3351, boul. des Forges, C.P. 500, Trois-Rivières, Québec, G9A 5H7, Canada
| | - Marie-Ève Clément
- Université du Québec en Outaouais, Saint-Jérôme, Québec, J7Z 0B7, Canada
| | - Karine Dubois-Comtois
- Département de psychologie, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, 3351, boul. des Forges, C.P. 500, Trois-Rivières, Québec, G9A 5H7, Canada; Hôpital en santé mentale Albert-Prévost, CIUSSS du Nord-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, Canada.
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Zhang G, Zhu Y. The Mediating Role of Callous-Unemotional Traits in the Relationship between Parental Aggression and Behavioral Problems among Chinese Preschoolers. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 10:1054. [PMID: 37371285 PMCID: PMC10297390 DOI: 10.3390/children10061054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
It is well known that aggressive parenting is associated with behavioral problems among Western children in their early childhood, but this has rarely been examined among Chinese preschoolers. The purpose of this study is to explore the relationship between aggressive parenting, callous-unemotional traits (CU traits), and behavioral problems among a large Chinese preschool sample. Data were collected in Wuhu city, China, from 1879 preschoolers (54% of whom were male) with a mean age of 65.66 months (standard deviation = 9.41). Parents provided information about the frequency of aggressive parenting, children's behaviors, and demographic characteristics via an online questionnaire. Mediation models were applied to analyze the associations between aggressive parenting, CU traits, and behavioral problems. Preschoolers' age, gender, and family socioeconomic status were considered as covariates. The findings of our study revealed that higher frequencies of parental psychological and physical aggression were associated with high levels of CU traits, which were related to increased levels of preschoolers' behavioral problems. This study extends previous studies by revealing a positive relationship between aggressive parenting and behavioral problems among Chinese preschoolers via CU traits and highlights the risks of aggressive parenting. Interventions for improving parenting strategies and lessening callous-unemotional traits should be developed to help reduce behavioral problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gengli Zhang
- Faculty of Educational Science, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu 241000, China
| | - Yantong Zhu
- School of Comprehensive Human Science, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba 305-8577, Japan
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Doyle FL, Morawska A, Higgins DJ, Havighurst SS, Mazzucchelli TG, Toumbourou JW, Middeldorp CM, Chainey C, Cobham VE, Harnett P, Sanders MR. Policies are Needed to Increase the Reach and Impact of Evidence-Based Parenting Supports: A Call for a Population-Based Approach to Supporting Parents, Children, and Families. Child Psychiatry Hum Dev 2023; 54:891-904. [PMID: 34989941 PMCID: PMC8733919 DOI: 10.1007/s10578-021-01309-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Parents can be essential change-agents in their children's lives. To support parents in their parenting role, a range of programs have been developed and evaluated. In this paper, we provide an overview of the evidence for the effectiveness of parenting interventions for parents and children across a range of outcomes, including child and adolescent mental and physical health, child and adolescent competencies and academic outcomes, parental skills and competencies, parental wellbeing and mental health, and prevention of child maltreatment and family violence. Although there is extensive research showing the effectiveness of evidence-based parenting programs, these are not yet widely available at a population level and many parents are unable to access support. We outline how to achieve increased reach of evidence-based parenting supports, highlighting the policy imperative to adequately support the use of these supports as a way to address high priority mental health, physical health, and social problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frances L. Doyle
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW Australia
- School of Psychology, The MARCS Institute for Brain Behaviour and Development, Transforming Early Education and Child Health (TeEACH) Research Centre, Translational Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Sydney, NSW Australia
| | - Alina Morawska
- Parenting and Family Support Centre, School of Psychology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD Australia
| | - Daryl J. Higgins
- Institute of Child Protection Studies, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Sophie S. Havighurst
- Mindful: Centre for Training and Research in Developmental Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Trevor G. Mazzucchelli
- School of Psychology, Curtin University, Perth, WA Australia
- School of Psychology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD Australia
| | - John W. Toumbourou
- Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Christel M. Middeldorp
- Child Health Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD Australia
- Child and Youth Mental Health Service, Children’s Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service, Brisbane, QLD Australia
| | - Carys Chainey
- Parenting and Family Support Centre, School of Psychology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD Australia
| | - Vanessa E. Cobham
- School of Psychology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD Australia
- Child and Youth Mental Health Service, Children’s Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service, Brisbane, QLD Australia
| | - Paul Harnett
- School of Criminology and Criminal Justice, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Matthew R. Sanders
- Parenting and Family Support Centre, School of Psychology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD Australia
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39
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Salmon S, Chartier M, Roos LE, Afifi TO. Typologies of child maltreatment and peer victimization and the associations with adolescent substance use: A latent class analysis. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2023; 140:106177. [PMID: 37058947 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2023.106177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Child maltreatment and peer victimization are pervasive public health problems associated with adolescent substance use. Although child maltreatment has been identified as a risk factor for peer victimization, few studies have investigated their co-occurrence (i.e., polyvictimization). The study objectives were to: examine sex differences in the prevalence of child maltreatment, peer victimization, and substance use; identify polyvictimization patterns; and examine the associations between the identified typologies and adolescent substance use. METHODS Data were self-reported from a sample of adolescents aged 14 to 17 years (n = 2910) who participated in the provincially-representative 2014 Ontario Child Health Study. Latent class analysis with distal outcomes was conducted to identify typologies of six types of child maltreatment and five types of peer victimization and examine the associations between the polyvictimization typologies and use of cigarettes/cigars, alcohol, cannabis, and prescription drugs. RESULTS Four typologies were identified: Low victimization (76.6 %), Violent home environment (16.0 %), High verbal/social peer victimization (5.3 %), and High polyvictimization (2.1 %). The Violent home environment and High verbal/social peer victimization typologies were associated with increased odds of adolescent substance use (adjusted odds ratio range: 2.06-3.61). The High polyvictimization typology showed increased, but non-significant, odds of substance use. CONCLUSIONS Adolescent-serving health and social services professionals should be aware of polyvictimization patterns and the impact on substance use. For some adolescents, polyvictimization may include exposure to multiple child maltreatment and peer victimization types. Upstream strategies to prevent child maltreatment and peer victimization are needed, which may also contribute to reductions in adolescent substance use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Salmon
- Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Canada.
| | - Mariette Chartier
- Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Canada.
| | - Leslie E Roos
- Department of Psychology, University of Manitoba, Canada.
| | - Tracie O Afifi
- Departments of Community Health Sciences & Psychiatry, University of Manitoba, Canada.
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40
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Poljak Lukek S, Pate T, Gostečnik C. Physical Violence and Scapegoating Within the Family: An Exploration of Biblical Texts and Contemporary Psychology. JOURNAL OF RELIGION AND HEALTH 2023:10.1007/s10943-023-01818-3. [PMID: 37170016 PMCID: PMC10366253 DOI: 10.1007/s10943-023-01818-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
To understand physical violence in the family, it is important to define the role of the victim. The term "scapegoat" is a universal anthropological concept, often used in sociological theories, where a certain group of people and/or minorities are often victimized or blamed (e.g., social ills). We may note that the phenomenon of scapegoating is most clearly expressed in the Bible. Therefore, we will use relevant biblical texts that refer to parental use of corporal punishment in which a child is scapegoated and/or victimized by parental violence. In this sense, the Bible is the most profound explanation and manifestation of the cultural, social, and especially religious development of humanity. At the same time, the concept of scapegoating is also demonstrated in psychology and therapy, where it also serves as a basis for understanding, for example, physical violence in the family, and where it is also crucial to define the role of the victim. In this article, therefore, we will explain the biblical background of this concept and highlight two basic dynamics of violence against children in the family: when the child is the "scapegoat" for unresolved tensions in the family and when the child becomes the "sacrifice" or victim of the dysregulated emotional response of his or her parents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saša Poljak Lukek
- Department of Marital and Family Therapy and Psychology and Sociology of Religion, Faculty of Theology, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Tanja Pate
- Department of Marital and Family Therapy and Psychology and Sociology of Religion, Faculty of Theology, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Christian Gostečnik
- Department of Marital and Family Therapy and Psychology and Sociology of Religion, Faculty of Theology, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Slovenia and Franciscian Family Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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41
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Bravo P, Kim Y, Xerxa Y, Koopman-Verhoeff ME, Cárcamo R, Oldehinkel A, Hillegers M, Jansen P. Maternal history of maltreatment and offspring's emotional and behavioral problems in adolescence: Do family factors contribute to the intergenerational risk transmission? CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2023; 141:106228. [PMID: 37172532 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2023.106228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A history of childhood maltreatment often has a negative and long-lasting impact across different domains in life. A childhood maltreatment experience in parents may even affect the next generation. So far, the effects of family factors have been considered in the intergenerational transmission of adversity across the childhood years, but whether the effects remain until adolescence is less clear. OBJECTIVE Using data from a large population-based study in the Netherlands, including both mother and child reports, we examined whether maternal childhood maltreatment history is associated with increased mental health problems in offspring and the role of family functioning and harsh parenting as a potential pathway. PARTICIPANTS 4912 adolescents (aged 13 years) and their mothers were recruited in the Generation R study. METHODS Mothers reported childhood maltreatment experiences using the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ), and adolescents reported on their mental health using the Youth Self Report (YSR). Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to test the association of maternal childhood maltreatment on mental health problems in offspring and family functioning and harsh parenting as mechanisms to explain this association. RESULTS Adolescents of mothers with a history of maltreatment had greater internalizing (β = 0.07, p < .01) and externalizing problems (β = 0.08, p < .01). Moreover, we found an indirect effect via family functioning over time and harsh parenting at ages 3 and 8 years which mediated this association. CONCLUSION We concluded an intergenerational effect of maternal childhood maltreatment on adolescents internalizing and externalizing problems. The findings might enable earlier intervention within the family context to mitigate the consequences of maternal childhood maltreatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Bravo
- The Generation R Study Group, Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Yugyun Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Yllza Xerxa
- The Generation R Study Group, Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | - Rodrigo Cárcamo
- Facultad de Psicología, Universidad San Sebastián, Sede Valdivia, Chile; Facultad de Psicología, Universidad de Magallanes, Chile
| | - Albertine Oldehinkel
- Department of Psychiatry, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Manon Hillegers
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Pauline Jansen
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Psychology, Education and Child Studies, Erasmus University Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
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42
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Isaac AJ, Rodriguez AM, D'Anna-Hernandez K, Gemmell N, Acedo GR, Dougherty LR, Bufferd SJ. Preschool-aged children's hair cortisol and parents' behavior, psychopathology, and stress. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2023; 151:106052. [PMID: 36893557 PMCID: PMC10361335 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2023.106052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Revised: 02/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
Parental factors, including parenting behavior, parent mental health, and parent stress, are associated with child stress. More recently, studies have shown that these parental factors may also be associated with children's hair cortisol concentration (HCC). HCC is a novel biomarker for chronic stress. HCC indexes cumulative cortisol exposure thereby reflecting longer-term stress reactivity. Although HCC is associated with a range of problems in adults such as depression, anxiety, appraisal of stressful events, and diabetes, studies investigating HCC in children have been inconsistent, with particularly little information about parental factors and HCC. As chronic stress may have long-term physiological and emotional effects on children, and parent-based interventions can reduce these effects, it is important to identify parental factors that relate to children's HCC. The aim of this study was to examine associations between preschool-aged children's physiological stress measured via HCC and mother- and father-reported parenting behavior, psychopathology, and stress. Participants included N = 140 children ages 3-5-years-old and their mothers (n = 140) and fathers (n = 98). Mothers and fathers completed questionnaire measures on their parenting behavior, depressive and anxiety symptoms, and perceived stress. Children's HCC was assessed by processing small hair samples. HCC levels were higher in boys compared to girls, and higher in children of color compared to white children. There was a significant association between children's HCC and fathers' authoritarian parenting. Children's HCC was positively associated with physical coercion, a specific facet of fathers' authoritarian parenting, even after accounting for sex of the child, race/ethnicity of the child, stressful life events, fathers' depression, fathers' anxiety, and fathers' perceived stress. In addition, there was a significant interaction between higher levels of both mothers' and fathers' authoritarian parenting and children's HCC. Children's HCC was not significantly related to mothers' and fathers' anxiety and depression or mothers' and fathers' perceived stress. These findings contribute to the large literature that links harsh and physical parenting practices with problematic outcomes in children.
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43
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Ma J, Han Y. Heterogeneous effects of spanking on child protective services involvement in early childhood: A propensity score stratification analysis. CHILDREN AND YOUTH SERVICES REVIEW 2023; 148:106901. [PMID: 38031582 PMCID: PMC10686574 DOI: 10.1016/j.childyouth.2023.106901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Background Extant literature has primarily employed linear models to estimate the average effect of spanking on children. Less is known about child and parent characteristics that may predict differential risks of children's exposure to spanking (i.e., pre-treatment heterogeneity) and the effect of spanking on child outcomes that may differ by the propensity for spanking (i.e., post-treatment heterogeneity). Objective The present study examines pre- and post-treatment heterogeneity in the association between maternal spanking at child age 3 and subsequent household Child Protective Services (CPS) involvement that were reported by mothers between child ages 3 to 5. Methods The sample consisted of 2,422 families from the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study, a birth cohort study that oversampled children born to unmarried families. A propensity score stratification analysis procedure examined pre- and post-treatment heterogeneity in the association between spanking and subsequent household CPS involvement. Children were stratified into three strata depending on their propensity for experiencing spanking. Subsequently, the association between spanking and household CPS involvement was examined for each stratum. Results Disadvantaged socio-economic characteristics, negative psychosocial conditions of the mother, and dysregulated temperament of the child were associated with elevated risk of spanking. The odds of subsequent household CPS involvement increased by 2.4 times (β = 0.869, p <.01) for children in the stratum with the lowest propensity for experiencing spanking. Conclusions Results emphasize the importance of promoting alternative disciplinary strategies to families who would be considered low-risk before they may come into contact with the child welfare system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Ma
- University of Michigan-Flint, USA
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44
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Bloom SL. A Biocratic Paradigm: Exploring the Complexity of Trauma-Informed Leadership and Creating Presence™. Behav Sci (Basel) 2023; 13:bs13050355. [PMID: 37232592 DOI: 10.3390/bs13050355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
A paradigm shift is under way in the human services because of breakthrough knowledge and research in understanding the underlying etiology of physical, emotional, and social problems at the micro-level of the individual, at the meso-level of the family and institutions, and at the macro-level of the entire society. The three levels of human existence-micro, mezzo, and macro-constitute interactive, interdependent, complex adaptive living systems. The complexity of these problems requires us to use our imaginations to envision health in individuals, organizations, and societies because it does not presently exist. After thousands of years of unrelenting exposure to trauma and adversity, we have all normalized what is a traumatogenic civilization. As a result, we live in a trauma-organized society in ways we are just beginning to understand in this century. This biopsychosocial knowledge base that is drawn upon here has come to be known as "trauma-informed" knowledge because it began with a deepening understanding of the impact of trauma on survivors of combat, disasters, and genocide, but now extends far beyond those specific boundaries. To lead any organization in a time of significant change means leading a revolution in understanding human nature and the fundamental causes of human pathology that are endangering all life on this planet and then helping organizational members develop skills to positively influence the changes necessary. In the 1930s, Dr. Walter B. Cannon, a Harvard physiologist who had named the "fight-flight" response and defined homeostasis, used the word "biocracy" to describe the relationship between the physical body and the social body, emphasizing the vital importance of democracy. This paper is a beginning attempt at integrating the concept of a biocratic organization with that of the trauma-informed knowledge necessary for leadership. Hope lies in properly diagnosing the problem, remembering ancient peace-making strategies, embracing universal life-preserving values, inspiring a new vision for the future, and radically and consciously changing our present self and other-destructive behavior. The paper concludes with a brief description of a new online educational program called Creating Presence™ that is being used in organizations as a method for creating and supporting the development of biocratic, trauma-informed organizations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra L Bloom
- Dornsife School of Public Health, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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45
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Atreya A, Chhetri UD, Shrestha S, Menezes RG, Nepal S, Sainju SS. Suicide attempts due to child abuse: A perspective into the Nepalese legal framework and societal norms. Med Leg J 2023:258172231163435. [PMID: 37096345 DOI: 10.1177/00258172231163435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2023]
Abstract
Children who experience violence are more prone to develop high-risk behaviour, mental illness and anxiety disorder. Nepalese law is against any form of physical violence but corporal punishment by parents on children continues in patriarchal Nepalese society. We describe a case of a young boy who attempted suicide twice due to maltreatment and discuss the legal and social issues involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alok Atreya
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Lumbini Medical College, Palpa, Nepal
| | - Uma D Chhetri
- Department of Paediatrics, Lumbini Medical College, Palpa, Nepal
| | - Saurav Shrestha
- Department of Paediatrics, Lumbini Medical College, Palpa, Nepal
| | - Ritesh G Menezes
- College of Medicine, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Samata Nepal
- Department of Community Medicine, Lumbini Medical College, Palpa, Nepal
| | - Subha S Sainju
- Department of Paediatrics, Lumbini Medical College, Palpa, Nepal
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46
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Social Information Processing Theory Indicators of Child Abuse Risk: Cultural Comparison of Mothers from Peru and the United States. CHILDREN 2023; 10:children10030545. [PMID: 36980103 PMCID: PMC10047446 DOI: 10.3390/children10030545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023]
Abstract
Much of the research conducted on social information processing (SIP) factors predictive of child abuse risk has been conducted in North America, raising questions about how applicable such models may be in other cultures. Based on the premise that the parents’ child abuse risk is affected by both risk and protective factors, the current study considered how specific SIP socio-cognitive risk factors (acceptability of parent–child aggression as a discipline approach; empathic ability; frustration tolerance) as well as social support satisfaction as a resource related to child abuse risk by comparing a sample of mothers in Peru (n = 102) with a sample of mothers in the U.S. (n = 180). Using multi-group regression analyses, the current investigation identified that lower empathy was more salient for the abuse risk of U.S. mothers relative to the salience of lower frustration tolerance for Peruvian mothers. Although effects were observed for the approval of parent-aggression for the child abuse risk of both samples, such approval did not appear to be related to the Peruvian mothers’ actual use of such tactics. When considered alongside the socio-cognitive risk factors, greater social support satisfaction did not significantly relate to child abuse risk for either sample. The findings are discussed in reference to future cross-cultural work that may need to better examine how factors may or may not be universal to craft more culturally informed child abuse prevention programs.
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47
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Cramm L, Elgar FJ, Pickett W. Corporal punishment bans and adolescent suicide rates: An international ecological study. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2023; 137:106022. [PMID: 36640589 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2023.106022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exposure to corporal punishment during childhood is associated with suicidal behaviors during adolescence. To date, the protective effects of national policies governing the use of corporal punishment have rarely been studied for adolescent suicide outcomes. OBJECTIVE To investigate contemporaneous and lagged associations between national legislation banning corporal punishment and adolescent suicide rates. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING We used population-level administrative and mortality data from 97 countries spanning the years 1950 to 2017. METHODS Negative binomial models were used to investigate the relationship between the existence of official corporal punishment bans in countries and national adolescent suicide mortality rates and the potential time lag between the enactment of such bans and reductions in adolescent suicide rates. RESULTS National policies that permitted corporal punishment in all settings (homes, schools, daycares, and alternative care) were associated with a higher relative risk (RR) for suicide in females aged 15-19 (RR = 2.07, p = .03), as were policies allowing corporal punishment in schools specifically (RR = 2.01, p = .02). Partial bans of corporal punishment and bans of school corporal punishment showed lagged effects on suicide rates which peaked after 12 years for females aged 15-19 and after 13 years for males aged 15-19. CONCLUSIONS Study findings add to a body of evidence that suggests that official policies banning corporal punishment may promote adolescent health and well-being. The benefits of such policies in terms of reduced risk for adolescent suicide appear to peak approximately 12 to 13 years after enactment of the legislation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Cramm
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Frank J Elgar
- School of Population and Global Health, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - William Pickett
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada; Department of Health Sciences, Brock University, St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada
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48
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Dodd B, Malm EK. Effects of Parenting by Lying in Childhood on Adult Lying, Internalizing Behaviors, and Relationship Quality. Child Psychiatry Hum Dev 2023; 54:9-16. [PMID: 34297281 DOI: 10.1007/s10578-021-01220-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Parenting by lying is a phenomenon in which parents lie to their children, usually for a positive goal, and has been the subject of new parenting research. This study tested the associations between parenting by lying in childhood, lying to parents in young adulthood, and parent-child relationship quality. Secondly, we examined the mechanisms through which these constructs were all related to internalizing behaviors in young adulthood, specifically-stress, anxiety and depressive symptoms. Young adult participants between the ages of 18 and 24 (N = 206) responded to questions about parenting strategies experienced in childhood, their current adult functioning, lying to parents, and parent-child relationship quality. Results indicate that parenting by lying in childhood was significantly associated with lower quality relationships with parents during young adulthood. Additionally, we found that double mediation models (lying to parents and quality of parent-child relationships) were best fitting the data in explaining the exploratory mechanisms (indirect pathways) through which parenting by lying was associated with internalizing behaviors (stress responses, anxiety, and depressive symptoms) in young adulthood. Based on all the findings, a review of parenting by lying in childhood as a common parenting strategy, and further research is highly encouraged. Other implications are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bailey Dodd
- Murray State University, 212 Wells Hall, Murray, KY, 42071, USA
| | - Esther K Malm
- Murray State University, 212 Wells Hall, Murray, KY, 42071, USA.
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49
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Burani K, Brush CJ, Spahr C, Slavich GM, Meyer A, Hajcak G. Corporal Punishment Is Uniquely Associated With a Greater Neural Response to Errors and Blunted Neural Response to Rewards in Adolescence. BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY. COGNITIVE NEUROSCIENCE AND NEUROIMAGING 2023; 8:210-218. [PMID: 36152947 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpsc.2022.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although corporal punishment is a common form of punishment with known negative impacts on health and behavior, how such punishment affects neurocognitive systems is relatively unknown. METHODS To address this issue, we examined how corporal punishment affected neural measures of error and reward processing in 149 adolescent boys and girls of ages 11 to 14 years (mean age [SD] = 11.02 [1.16]). Corporal punishment experienced over the lifetime was assessed using the Stress and Adversity Inventory. In addition, participants completed a flankers task and a reward task to measure the error-related negativity and reward positivity, respectively, as well as measures of anxiety and depressive symptoms. RESULTS As hypothesized, participants who experienced lifetime corporal punishment reported more anxiety and depressive symptoms. Experiencing corporal punishment was also related to a larger error-related negativity and blunted reward positivity. Importantly, corporal punishment was independently related to a larger error-related negativity and a more blunted reward positivity beyond the impact of harsh parenting and lifetime stressors. CONCLUSIONS Corporal punishment appears to potentiate neural response to errors and decrease neural response to rewards, which could increase risk for anxiety and depressive symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kreshnik Burani
- Department of Psychology, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida.
| | - C J Brush
- Department of Psychology, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida
| | - Chandler Spahr
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Riverside, California
| | - George M Slavich
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Alexandria Meyer
- Department of Psychology, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida
| | - Greg Hajcak
- Department of Psychology, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida
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Ateah CA, Khondkar L, Milon F, Rabbani R. Preventing Punitive Violence: Implementing Positive Discipline in Everyday Parenting (PDEP) with Marginalized Populations in Bangladesh. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:1873. [PMID: 36767241 PMCID: PMC9914775 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20031873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Physical and other types of punishment remain common in Bangladesh, despite overwhelming evidence of their harm and worldwide efforts to decrease their use. One of the strategic priorities of Save the Children in Bangladesh's Child Protection Program is to protect children from physical and humiliating punishment in homes, schools, and other settings. Save the Children in Bangladesh selected the Positive Discipline in Everyday Parenting (PDEP) Program to provide parents with alternatives to physical punishment that comply with human rights standards while strengthening relationships and understanding of child development. High-risk communities where children are particularly vulnerable were selected for this project. The PDEP program was delivered to 857 parents living in lower socioeconomic areas of Bangladesh, including ethnic minority groups, and parents living in urban slums of Dhaka and rural brothel areas. Due to the low levels of education of the participants (almost two-thirds of participants had not completed elementary school), simplified pre and posttests were utilized. Following program completion, parents' approval of both physical punishment and punishment in general declined; they were less likely to view typical parent-child conflicts as intentional misbehavior and were less reactive to frustration. In addition, parents indicated an increased understanding of the positive discipline and more confidence in their parenting skills. Before taking PDEP, 64% of the parents often felt like they just did not know what to do as a parent, compared to 34% following program completion. PDEP demonstrated the potential to decrease the use of physical and humiliating punishments by parents living in high-risk communities in Bangladesh.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine A. Ateah
- College of Nursing, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Laila Khondkar
- Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Firozul Milon
- Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers Association, Dhaka 1205, Bangladesh
| | - Rasheda Rabbani
- George & Fay Yee Centre for Healthcare Innovation, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0T6, Canada
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