Parenting and child behaviour problems: a longitudinal analysis of non‐shared environment

Abstract

This study examined potential non-shared environmental processes in middle childhood by estimating statistical associations between monozygotic (MZ) twin differences in externalizing and internalizing problems and positive social engagement, and differential maternal positivity and negativity, over 1 year. Seventy-seven pairs of identical twins participated (M = 6.08-years old, 65% male) in two annual home visits. Observers’ ratings and maternal reports were gathered. At both assessments, the twin who showed more conduct problems (maternal report and observers’ ratings) and less positive social engagement (positive affect, responsiveness) received more maternal negativity and less maternal warmth (self-reports and observers’ ratings), relative to his or her genetically identical co-twin. The same patterns held over time, for the associations between change in differential MZ twin conduct problems and social engagement and change in differential maternal behaviour. Effects for child internalizing problems were not consistent within or across raters. Overall, these results indicated that differential maternal warmth and negativity—self-perceived and observed by others— are important aspects of sibling differentiation for both problematic and adaptive behaviours during middle childhood.

Approach/Positive Anticipation, Frustration/Anger, and Overt Aggression in Childhood

“…However, it also is plausible that certain aspects of the environment that promote sibling differentiation operate on the affective and behavioral aspects of an approach motivational system, such as twin differences in parent-child and peer relationships and interaction dynamics. With respect to aggression and antisocial behaviors more generally, candidates for nonshared environment processes include harsh reactive parenting and peer rejection and affiliation (Bullock, Deater-Deckard, & Leve, 2006; Mullineaux, Deater-Deckard, Petrill, & Thompson, in press). However, much remains to be learned about whether such nonshared environmental processes can be identified and replicated across studies (Reiss, Neiderhiser, Hetherington, & Plomin, 2000; Turkheimer & Waldron, 2000).…”

A Longitudinal Investigation of the Associations Among Parenting, Deviant Peer Affiliation, and Externalizing Behaviors: A Monozygotic Twin Differences Design

“…Longitudinal studies have advanced this knowledge further by showing that a twin who receives less maternal warmth and more negativity at the age of 5 years has more behavioral problems than his cotwin at the age of 7 years (Caspi et al, 2004;Mullineaux et al, 2009). However, the majority of studies have interpreted these findings within a parent-driven framework in which differential parenting is assumed to influence sibling differences in externalizing behaviors.…”

Parental Sensitivity Towards Toddlers and Infant Siblings Predicting Toddler Sharing and Compliance

“…Previous studies on parenting and siblings' development have focused primarily on differential parenting, examining how a parent responds to one sibling compared to the other (e.g., Blandon and Volling 2008). Several studies have shown that differential parenting is related to less prosocial behavior and compliance, and more externalizing behavior in the less favored sibling (Asbury et al 2003;Blandon and Volling 2008;Caspi et al 2004;Mullineaux et al 2009). …”

“…Differential parenting is relevant for children's social development given that it has been found to predict compliance, externalizing behaviors, and prosocial behaviors (e.g., Blandon and Volling 2008;Caspi et al 2004;Mullineaux et al 2009). Most studies found that differential parenting leads to less compliance and prosocial behavior, and more externalizing behavior in the less favored sibling, although there is also some evidence that it may lead to more prosocial behavior in the less favored sibling (Knafo 2009).…”