Predicting child problem behavior and maternal/paternal parent-child aggression: Identifying early prevention targets

Abstract

Parental socio-cognitive factors may predict their physical discipline use as well as their perceptions of children’s problem behavior; infant temperament may also influence parents’ discipline use. Using a bidirectional approach, the current study investigated whether attitudes approving of parent-child aggression (PCA), negative child behavior attributions, knowledge of nonphysical discipline options, and infant temperament predicted 186 mothers’ and 146 fathers’ PCA use and child problem behaviors one year later. Findings indicated mothers who approved of PCA use and held negative child attributions were more likely to report greater subsequent PCA use; less knowledge of nonphysical discipline options predicted more perceived problem behaviors one year later. Fathers were more likely to engage in PCA with toddlers if they had less knowledge of nonphysical discipline options but also if they viewed their infants as active. Contributors to mothers’ and fathers’ PCA use and implications for prevention efforts and children’s outcomes are considered.

Development and Validation of the Parental Expectations Scale (PES) in Parents From Romania

“…based on the parent's gender (Rodriguez & Wittig, 2019). However, research on father's unrealistic expectations is scarce, with most studies to date employing samples of mothers only or samples where fathers are under-represented, with mothers representing above 80% of the sample (e.g., Haskett et al, 2003Haskett et al, , 2006Rodriguez, 2010;Rodriguez & Richardson, 2007).…”

“…Future research should be conducted with fathers to confirm the factor structure of the PES, as well as its validity. Previous research found that the effect of other pre-existing schemas on parental behavior is different based on the parent’s gender (Rodriguez & Wittig, 2019). However, research on father’s unrealistic expectations is scarce, with most studies to date employing samples of mothers only or samples where fathers are under-represented, with mothers representing above 80% of the sample (e.g., Haskett et al, 2003, 2006; Rodriguez, 2010; Rodriguez & Richardson, 2007).…”

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

“…These reports of difficulties may be an indication of inappropriate expectations, but this was not specifically examined. Having appropriate expectations toward children is important because parents who have unrealistic beliefs about children’s developmental capacities may be especially at risk of engaging in neglect of their children (Thompson et al, 2014); inappropriate and/or unrealistic expectations of children also influence how parents interpret their child’s behavior (e.g., deliberately difficult, disobedient), which increases risk for parent-child aggression and physical abuse (Rodriguez, 2016; Rodriguez & Wittig, 2019).…”