Association Between Mothers’ Alcohol Use Histories and Deficient Parenting in an Economically Disadvantaged Sample

Abstract

Objective: Problematic maternal alcohol use confers risk for child maltreatment, though the effect on specific aspects of parenting is unclear. This study examined concurrent and prospective links among maternal alcohol use history, care neglect, supervisory neglect, and harsh or inconsistent discipline. Method: Multimethod multisource data were utilized to assess deficient parenting in 311 economically disadvantaged mothers at high risk of child maltreatment. Structural equation modeling was used to test hypothesized relations. Results: Maternal history of alcohol use was associated with more inconsistent discipline and higher levels of subsequent supervisory neglect. Secondary analyses among two-parent families found that paternal substance misuse was associated with maternal care neglect and poor supervision. Conclusions: Among low socioeconomic status families, maternal alcohol use increases the risk of inconsistent discipline and inadequate supervision. Inconsistent discipline may also lead to punitive parenting practices. Given the potential effect of paternal substance use on maternal parenting, findings highlight the importance of screening all caregivers for substance use in child welfare and research contexts to clarify when and how to intervene most effectively.

Parenting Styles as a Moderator of the Association between Pubertal Timing and Chinese Adolescents’ Drinking Behavior

“…An additional limitation is that this cross-sectional study relied on an assessment from age 11–16, and did not refer to the pubertal timing as a life course experience, but to the current status of sexual maturity. Forth, parents suffering from alcohol-use disorders or dual diagnoses is a significant risk factor for harsh and deficient parenting behavior [ 55 , 56 , 57 , 58 ], but this study did not examine this variable. Finally, adolescence is very complex time of life, and other factors besides parenting styles and pubertal timing are involved in its development; therefore, the possibility of omitted variables cannot be excluded (e.g., parental alcohol permissiveness, peer influences, socioeconomic status, immigrants or not, autonomy).…”

Parental drug use as a form of potential child maltreatment in the United States: A review of state statutes.

“…Parental substance use may also lead to environments that are unsafe or unsanitary, as well as reduce parents’ ability to prioritize their children’s emotional needs (Smith et al, 2016). Findings from a study with low-income families suggest that a mother’s history of problematic alcohol use may be associated with difficulty in responding consistently to her child’s misbehavior (Taber-Thomas & Knutson, 2021). Inconsistent discipline may also lead to parenting practices that are punitive and damaging to children.…”

“…Inconsistent discipline may also lead to parenting practices that are punitive and damaging to children. Over time, maternal alcohol use may be a risk factor for inadequate supervision (Taber-Thomas & Knutson, 2021).…”

Analyzing decision-maker’s justifications of care orders for newborn children: equal and individualized treatment

“…Ijzendoorn, 2015 ), and the consequences of maltreatment can include “ long-term, negative impact on children’s physical, cognitive, social, emotional and behavioural development that can last throughout the life course ” (Ward, Brown, & Hyde-Dryden, 2014 , p. 36). Infants have an even higher chance of being exposed to maltreatment than older children (Braarud, 2012 ; Ward et al, 2014 ), and children of parents who misuse substances have a higher likelihood of experiencing maltreatment (Austin, Berkoff, & Shanahan, 2020 ; Kroll & Taylor, 2003 ; Taber-Thomas & Knutson, 2020 ; Ward, Brown, & Westlake, 2012 ).…”