A Meta-analysis of the Relations Between Socioeconomic Status and Parenting Practices

The question of why parents parent the way they do is central in parenting studies. Research about the predictors of parenting has been guided by Belsky's classical model of parenting determinants. In this model, socioeconomic status was not explicitly considered as a determinant of parenting. However, there is ample research that came later that found relations between socioeconomic status and parenting. The aim of this study was to find an aggregate estimate of the relations between socioeconomic status and parenting practices using meta-analytic methods. We found that socioeconomic status was positively linked to positive parenting, and negatively linked to negative parenting. In particular, socioeconomic status was positively linked to parental warmth and parental behavioral control, but negatively linked to parental psychological control. The relations between socioeconomic status and positive or negative parenting were not moderated by child's age or sex and did not differ based on the type of socioeconomic status indicator. Moreover, all the correlations were small in magnitude, and were comparable to other predictors of parenting such as parent's depression, parent's personality traits, and child's temperament. Our results suggest that parent's overall socioeconomic status, or its different constituents, supplement Belsky's model of parenting determinants.

The relationship between child neglect and adolescent interpersonal functioning: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Neglect is a highly prevalent, yet historically understudied form of maltreatment. Recent research has revealed the far reaching and unique effects that neglect has on subsequent cognitive, behavioural and socio-emotional development, and on long-term physical and mental health outcomes. Adolescent interpersonal functioning is important to explore given the significant relational transitions that occur during this stage of development, and the known impact that these social changes can have on future life outcomes.

OBJECTIVE

This systematic review synthesises the literature exploring the relationship between neglect and adolescent interpersonal functioning in peer relationships.

METHODS

Seven databases and three grey literature sites were systematically searched, and identified records screened against inclusion criteria.

RESULTS

Twenty-one articles were included in the final sample, exploring five different indicators of adolescent interpersonal functioning. Around half of the papers investigating quality of peer relationships found that neglect, particularly emotional neglect, is associated with reduced relationship quality, and there is consistent evidence that neglect increases the risk of gang involvement and deviant peer affiliation.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings may be used to strengthen a trauma-informed approach to work with adolescents. Research on neglect and adolescent romantic relationships is sparse. Overall, the literature is varied and further research using longitudinal data and consistent measures of neglect would be of value.

The association of mobile touch screen device use with parent-child attachment: a systematic review

Mobile touch screen devices (smartphones and tablet computers) have become an integral part of many parents' and children's lives, with this interaction linked to physical, mental and social outcomes. Despite the known importance of parent-child attachment, evidence on the association between device use and attachment was yet to be reviewed. Following protocol pre-registration, databases were searched, papers screened, and methodological quality assessed. Three papers met the inclusion criteria, and reported some negative associations between duration of parent/child smartphone use and attachment outcomes. A narrative synthesis on two groups of related papers found child time using any screen technology (including television viewing), and child 'problematic' internet, mobile phone, gaming and social media use, was negatively associated with attachment outcomes. Currently there is limited direct evidence on any association between time parents or children spend using these devices and parent-child attachment to support time guidelines for families and professionals working with families. Practitioner summary: Many parents and children regularly spend time using smartphones and tablet computers. This systematic review found limited evidence evaluating associations between child/adolescent or parent time using devices and parent-child attachment. Until quality evidence exists, practitioners should be alert to potential impacts of device use on family relationships and child outcomes.