Linking mother and youth parenting attitudes: indirect effects via maltreatment, parent involvement, and youth functioning

Effects of a preventive parenting intervention for bereaved families on the intergenerational transmission of parenting attitudes: Mediating processes

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.

Understanding the Intergenerational Cycle of Trauma and Violence: Maternal Adverse Childhood Experiences and Parent-to-Child Aggression Risk

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), such as exposure to maltreatment and household dysfunction, are major risk factors for physical and mental health problems across the lifespan. While the relationship between ACEs and health outcomes is well established, what effects ACEs might have on parent-to-child aggression are less known. The negative consequences of ACEs on parental aggression can be even more pronounced with multiple exposures to different patterns of ACEs. This study examined the association between patterns of maternal ACEs and subsequent parent-child aggression risk. A diverse sample of young women (N = 329; mean age = 26.3 years) was recruited at a large, urban university medical center. Participants completed self-report measures of the ACEs Questionnaire and the Adult-Adolescent Parenting Inventory-2. Latent class analysis was used to identify classes of women with similar patterns of exposure to ACEs and to examine the associations between ACEs classes and parent-to-child aggression risk. Three latent classes, characterized by distinct patterns of maternal ACEs, were identified: Low ACEs (63% of the sample), High Parental Separation/Divorce (20%), and High/Multiple ACEs classes (17%). Women in the High/Multiple ACEs class were more likely to report higher levels of parent-to-child aggression risk (i.e., inappropriate expectations, belief in corporal punishment, lack of empathy) than those in the other classes (Wald₍₂₎ = 8.63, p = .013). Preventive interventions targeting parental attitudes and behaviors among young women exposed to ACEs may decrease the risk for further perpetuation of aggression in the next generations.

Racial/ethnic group differences in parenting attitudes among at-risk emerging adults: The roles of adversity, relationship quality, and caregiver involvement and attitudes

BACKGROUND

Healthy parenting attitudes are foundational for positive parenting and child well-being. However, few studies explore their formation and mediators explaining racial/ethnic group differences.

OBJECTIVE

The present study prospectively examines potential mediators for racial/ethnic group differences in parenting attitudes in a diverse sample of emerging adults (EA).

PARTICIPANTS & SETTING

Participants are EA and their caregivers (N = 891) who participated in the Longitudinal Studies of Child Abuse and Neglect (LONGSCAN).

METHODS

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), parenting attitudes, and caregiver-child relationship quality and involvement were assessed. Mediators of racial/ethnic group differences were tested using Structural Equation Modeling with bias-corrected confidence intervals based on 1000 bootstrapped samples.

RESULTS

Black EA had less appropriate developmental expectations and perceptions of family roles, empathy toward children, and rejection of physical punishment, compared to White EA. Latinx EA also had less empathy toward children compared to White EA. Caregivers' parenting attitudes mediated group differences, beyond ACEs and relationship quality and involvement. Significant mediation effects include: appropriate developmental expectations, R² = 0.08, p < .05; rejection of physical punishment, R² = 0.06, p < .05; appropriate family roles, R² = 0.16, p < .05; and empathy toward children, R² = 0.15, p < .05, for Black relative to White EA, as well as, empathy toward children, R² = 0.12, p < .05, for Latinx relative to White EA.

CONCLUSION

Findings highlight the mediating role of intergenerational transmission of parenting attitudes for explaining racial-ethnic differences and supporting positive parenting practices in diverse communities.

Transmission of Intergenerational Parenting Attitudes and Natural Mentorship: Associations Within the LONGSCAN population

BACKGROUND

Evidence suggests that families transmit child maltreatment and parenting attitudes. Natural mentorship may mediate intergenerational parenting attitudes' risk for maltreatment but has not been studied.

OBJECTIVE

To compare parenting attitudes between adolescents exposed to or at risk for maltreatment and their caregivers and to determine if natural mentorship mediates differences in parenting attitudes' maltreatment risk.

PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING

The study included 779 children and their caregivers from the Longitudinal Studies of Child Abuse and Neglect (LONGSCAN) study, METHODS: Standardized measures assessed parenting attitudes, natural mentorship and demographic characteristics. Repeated measures, multivariable logistic regressions were used to predict low risk parenting attitudes for maltreatment among adolescents with and without natural mentors.

RESULTS

In adjusted analysis, natural mentorship did not predict an adolescent having low risk parenting attitudes when their caregivers had moderate or high risk attitudes: appropriate empathy adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.26; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.52 -3.01; appropriate expectations aOR = 1.35; CI 0.62-2.93; physical punishment rejection aOR = 1.74; CI 0.78-3.88; and appropriate roles aOR = 1.11; CI 0.57-2.18. Low risk caregiver parenting attitudes for appropriate empathy related to adolescents having low risk empathy attitudes (aOR = 2.89; CI 1.31-6.37). Male gender, African American race and Hispanic ethnicity were negatively associated with an adolescent having low risk parenting attitudes for maltreatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Natural mentorship did not mediate adolescent parenting attitudes. While prevention and intervention strategies should include natural mentoring given positive health impacts, services must be cognizant of and designed for gender, racial and ethnic diversity.

Authoritarianism and the transgenerational transmission of corporal punishment

BACKGROUND

Authoritarianism, firstly described by Horkheimer in 1936, is characterized by submission to authorities, aggression against subordinates and conventionalism. Authoritarianism is discussed as major contributor for right-wing attitudes. Horkheimer hypothesized that authoritarianism has its origin in the experience of harsh parenting and exposure to corporal punishment (CP) by authoritarian parents. The other way around, literature points towards an association between conventionalism and support of CP as disciplinary method, suggesting a role of authoritarianism in the vicious cycle of transgenerational transmission of CP.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to assess the association of authoritarianism, right-wing attitudes and affirmation of CP, focusing particularly the role of authoritarianism and right-wing attitudes in the transgenerational transmission of CP.

PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING

In a cross-sectional survey, a representative sample of the German population above the age of 14 (N = 2524) was selected in a random route approach.

RESULTS

Authoritarian aggression, authoritarian submission and conventionalism (OR 1.40) such as right-wing self-assessment (OR 1.39) are associated with an increased support of different forms of CP. Moderation analyses reveal an increasing affirmation of CP by those with a history of CP holding authoritarian attitudes and right-wing positions.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest a significant role for sociopolitical attitudes in the affirmation of CP and its transgenerational transmission. Sociopolitical ideology may be an important factor to identify risk groups, but furthermore represents a promising target for preventive interventions that aim to stop the cycle of violence in families, and, subsequently, the dire consequences of CP.

Predictors of parenting attitudes in an at-risk sample: Results from the LONGSCAN study

BACKGROUND

Associations between parenting attitudes and behavior and children's adjustment are well-established, including links between negative parenting beliefs and increased risk for child maltreatment and poorer child functioning. Considerably less is known regarding what factors may correspond with parenting attitudes, particularly among at-risk samples. In line with theoretical models of the determinants of parenting, the aim of the study was to investigate correlates of parenting attitudes among child, caregiver, family, and neighborhood factors.

PARTICIPANTS AND SETTINGS/METHODS

The study included 1071 4-year-old children (48.8 % female; 55.7 % Black) and their caregivers from the Longitudinal Studies in Child Abuse and Neglect (LONGSCAN) study.

RESULTS

Numerous factors were consistently related to more positive parenting attitudes (i.e., more appropriate parenting expectations, greater empathy, and valuing non-physical punishment), including greater educational attainment, caregiver history of child sexual and physical abuse, lower levels of children's internalizing symptoms, greater family income, and lower levels of psychological aggression. Lower levels of caregiver depressive symptoms, greater number of maltreatment allegations, use of nonviolent discipline, and less severity of stressful life events were tied to more adaptive parenting attitudes in one or two domains.

CONCLUSIONS

Caregiver, child, familial, and environmental factors, as well as child maltreatment, may be important in determining parenting attitudes. Identification of the drivers of parenting attitudes may aid identification and intervention efforts with high-risk samples of caregivers to help improve parenting outcomes.

[Authoritarianism becomes respectable in Germany: A risk factor for condoning physical violence toward children?]

Authoritarianism becomes respectable in Germany: A risk factor for condoning physical violence toward children? Abstract. Objective: Authoritarianism denotes aggressive behavior toward subordinates, submission to authorities, and conventionalism. Authoritarianism is assumed to be a central factor in the emergence of right-wing extremist ideology. Horkheimer described a close relationship between authoritarianism and the use of physical violence as a disciplinary method. Against the background of the current increase in right-wing extremist ideologies in Germany, which manifests itself in both social and political realms, this study examines the association between authoritarian and right-wing extremist ideology and the affirmation of corporal punishment as a disciplinary method. Method: We performed a cross-sectional study on a representative sample of the German population (N = 2,524). Results: 44.5 % of the participants supported corporal punishment. When respondents reported authoritarian and right-wing extremist attitudes, we discovered an increased affirmation of physical violence as a disciplinary method. Regarding party preference, participants who stated that they preferred the right-wing Alternative for Germany Party (AfD) showed the highest rate of supporting corporal punishment. Conclusions: The results presented indicate that the condoning of corporal punishment is still very widespread in Germany, and that the children of parents with authoritarian and right-wing extremist attitudes comprise a risk group for physical violence. Increased social awareness of these risks is necessary in light of the current increase of right-wing ideologies.

Trauma, Race, and Risk for Violent Felony Arrests Among Florida Juvenile Offenders

This study tests the assumptions of the The Childhood Trauma Model, which proposes that marginalized populations are both more likely to have traumatic childhoods and more criminalized than those in the upper echelons of society. It hypothesizes that traumatic childhood experiences increase risk of being sanctioned for violent behavior, and risks are amplified for minority and disadvantaged groups. The study finds that experiencing three or more traumas had a 200% to 370% increased chance of being arrested for a violent felony as youth who experienced a single traumatic event, and Blacks had up to 300% increased risk than Whites with equal trauma scores.

Perceived parental rejection mediates the effects of previous maltreatment on emotional and behavioural outcomes in Chinese adolescents whereas mental illness has no moderating effect

Objective

This study assessed the mediating role of perceived parental rejection in the relationship between childhood maltreatment experience and behavioural problems in Chinese adolescents.

Methods

A total of 2484 adolescents (1305 males and 1179 females; aged 12–16 years) from Hunan Province, China, participated in the study. Behavioural problems, parental rejection scores and child abuse experiences were evaluated by the Child Behavior Checklist (parental version), the Memories of Parental Rearing Behavior Scale and the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire, separately. Mediating effects were examined by structural equation modelling using Amos 20 software.

Results

The study found that perceived maternal rejection partially mediated the association between abuse and internalising behaviours in the male cohort, whereas perceived father’s rejection partially mediated this association in the female cohort. However, mental illness had no moderating effect on these relationships.

Conclusion

These results are consistent with the literature on maltreatment and parent-child relationships and provide empirical support for the view that emotional and behavioural problems related to perceived parental rejection underlie the development of psychosocial problems in adolescents.

Is the Use of Physical Discipline Associated with Aggressive Behaviors in Young Children?

OBJECTIVE

To determine the association between use of physical discipline and parental report of physically aggressive child behaviors in a cohort of young children who were without indicators of current or past physical abuse.

METHODS

The data for this study were analyzed from an initial cohort of patients enrolled in a prospective, observational, multicenter pediatric emergency department-based study investigating bruising and familial psychosocial characteristics of children younger than 4 years of age. Over a 7-month period, structured parental interviews were conducted regarding disciplinary practices, reported child behaviors, and familial psychosocial risk factors. Children with suspected physical abuse were excluded from this study. Trained study staff collected data using standardized questions. Consistent with grounded theory, qualitative coding by 2 independent individuals was performed using domains rooted in the data. Inter-rater reliability of the coding process was evaluated using the kappa statistic. Descriptive statistics were calculated and multiple logistic regression modeling was performed.

RESULTS

Three hundred seventy-two parental interviews were conducted. Parents who reported using physical discipline were 2.8 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.7-4.5) times more likely to report aggressive child behaviors of hitting/kicking and throwing. Physical discipline was used on 38% of children overall, and was 2.4 (95% CI, 1.4-4.1) times more likely to be used in families with any of the psychosocial risk factors examined.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings indicated that the use of physical discipline was associated with higher rates of reported physically aggressive behaviors in early childhood as well as with the presence of familial psychosocial risk factors.

The cycle of victimization: The relationship between childhood maltreatment and adolescent peer victimization

Child maltreatment has been demonstrated to have many short- and long-term harmful consequences for victims, but whether or not child abuse is associated with an increased risk of peer victimization during adolescence is unclear. This study analyzed prospective data from 831 children and parents participating in the Longitudinal Studies on Child Abuse and Neglect (LONGSCAN) to investigate the relationships between child physical and sexual abuse and adolescent victimization by peers, as well as the potential for gender to moderate these relationships. Results from ordinal logit regression models indicated that children who were physically abused prior to age 12, based on official reports, parent reports, and child reports, had a greater risk of experiencing more intimidation and physical assault by peers at age 16. Having a history of sexual abuse predicted more physical assault but not intimidation. There was no evidence that gender moderated these relationships; in all cases, the relationship between abuse and revictimization was similar for boys and girls. The findings emphasize the need to provide victims of abuse with assistance to help prevent a cycle of victimization.