The Association of Externalizing Behavior and Parent–Child Relationships: An Intergenerational Study

Abstract

We investigated the influence of the child’s behavior on the quality of the mutual parent-child attachment relationships across three generations. We did so using a prospective longitudinal study which spanned 20 years from adolescence through adulthood. Study participants completed in-class questionnaires as students in the East Harlem area of New York City at the first wave and provided follow-up data at 4 additional points in time. 390 participants were included in these analyses; 59% female, 45% African American, and 55% Puerto Rican. Using structural equation modeling, we determined that externalizing behavior in the child was negatively related to the mutual parent-child attachment relationship for two generations of children. We also found continuity in externalizing behavior for the participant over time and from the participant to his/her child. Additionally, we found continuity in the quality of the mutual attachment relationship from the participant’s relationship with his/her parents to the participant’s relationship with his/her child. Finally, the mutual attachment relationship of the participant with his/her parents had a negative association with the participant’s externalizing behavior in adulthood. Based on these results, we propose that family interventions should focus on the role of the child’s externalizing behavior in the context of the parent-child attachment relationship. Furthermore, we suggest that prevention programs should address externalizing behavior as early as possible, as the effects of externalizing behavior in adolescence can persist into adulthood and extend to the next generation.

An Adverse Family Environment During Adolescence Predicts Marijuana Use and Antisocial Personality Disorder in Adulthood

“…For example, if an offspring observes parents who have problems with drug use (e.g., substance abuse/dependence) or exhibit some antisocial behaviors (e.g., incarceration), then the offspring is likely to replicate his/her parents’ maladaptive behaviors. This is also consistent with the findings from an 18 year longitudinal study which suggested that parents’ antisocial behaviors (e.g., aggression) are transmitted to their children (Brook et al 2012). …”

“…Research on parental incarceration and childhood well-being has focused on the intergenerational transmission of criminality; that is, having an antisocial parent or parents was one of the strongest predictors of violent or serious delinquency in adolescence and young adulthood (Eddy and Reid 2002; Murray and Farrington 2008). In a related vein, Brook and colleagues found that parents’ antisocial behaviors such as theft and vandalism and/or marijuana use were correlated with their children’s maladaptive behaviors including delinquency and aggression (Brook et al 2012). …”

Case report: Psychological functioning of the mother of the addict to drugs

“…No entanto, pode-se lançar mão do conhecimento proporcionado por vários autores já mencionados (Brook et al, 2012;Cavaco et al, 2009;Chaussin & Handley, 2006;Fleming, 2001;Madruga et al, 2011), bem como a contribuição das pesquisas de Souza e Kallas (2009) de que devem ser considerados aspectos relativos ao funcionamento psí-quico dos pais e à dinâmica familiar para o tratamento e prevenção das adicções.…”

“…Estas não se configuram necessariamente presentes em todos os casos, mas devem ser consideradas, para tratamento e prevenção, como aspectos relativos ao funcionamento psíquico dos pais e à dinâmica familiar (Brook, Lee, Finch, & Brown, 2012;Cavaco, Jesus, & Rezende, 2009;Chaussin & Handley, 2006;Fleming, 2001;Madruga et al, 2011).…”

A correlational study of children's externalizing and internalizing behavioral problems in relation to mother-child and teacher-child relationships

“…According to O'Connor, Dearing and Collins (2011), a quality teacher-child relationship is negatively correlated with externalized behavioural problems and decreases internalized behavioural problems. Brook, Lee, Finch, Brown (2012) found that individuals in negative relationships with their own mothers have negative relationships with their children as well. They also suggested that children with behavioural problems have negative relationships with their mothers.…”