The Influence of Child Gender on the Prospective Relationships between Parenting and Child ADHD

Abstract

The aims of the current study were to (i) explore the potential bidirectional, prospective relationships between parenting and child ADHD, and (ii) explore whether these relationships differed on the basis of child gender. Data were obtained from waves 1 (children aged 4- to 5-years) to 5 (children aged 12- to 13-years) of the Longitudinal Study of Australian Child (LSAC) dataset (child cohort). In order to examine dimensions of both mothers' and fathers' parenting, a subsample of nuclear families with mothers, fathers and children present at all waves was extracted (final sample = 1932; sons = 981, daughters = 951). Child ADHD measures included the hyperactive-impulsive subscale of the strengths and difficulties questionnaire for symptoms, and parent-report question for diagnosis. Mothers and fathers completed scales on dimensions of Angry, Warm and Consistent Parenting. A cross-lagged panel model demonstrated (i) higher child ADHD symptoms at wave 1 led to a global increase in less-than-optimal parenting at wave 2, and (ii) child ADHD symptoms and Angry Parenting shared a prospective, bi-directional relationship (whereby increases in one predicted increases in the other over time) during earlier years of development. Latent growth curve models demonstrated that increases in Angry Parenting across time were significantly predicted by increases in child ADHD symptoms. A logistic regression demonstrated that both mothers' and fathers' Angry Parenting at wave 1 significantly predicted an ADHD diagnosis in children at wave 3. No predictive relationships differed between child genders; thus, it appears these prospective pathways are similar for both sons and daughters.

Moderation of parenting by inhibitory control in the prediction of the common and unique variance of hyperactivity-impulsivity and inattention

“…Environmental factors such as the family have an important role in the development of ADHD symptoms, and understanding the way in which parents can help their children regulate their behavior is crucial to understanding the diverse developmental trajectories of ADHD symptoms. Several longitudinal studies showed that negative parenting practices predict children's ADHD symptoms (Breaux & Harvey, 2018; Demmer, Puccio, Stokes, McGillivray, & Hooley, 2018; Hawes, Dadds, Frost, & Russell, 2013; Keown, 2012; Tung et al, 2015). For example, parents’ (90% mothers) corporal punishment measured when children were between 5 and 10 years of age predicted higher levels of offspring ADHD symptoms 2 years later (Tung et al, 2015).…”

Parenting practices among parents of children with attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder: Gender‐related differences

“…However, other outcomes point to bidirectional associations between parenting practices and ADHD symptoms or comorbidities (Choenni, Lambregtse-van den Berg, Verhulst, Tiemeier, & Kok, 2019;Shelleby & Ogg, 2019). Moreover, there are findings both supporting and refuting differences in parenting and ADHD depending on children's gender (Choenni et al, 2019;Demmer, Puccio, Stokes, McGillivray, & Hooley, 2018). Extant research also still reflects controversy in focusing on specific parenting styles used by parents of affected children.…”

Longitudinal Relationships Between Parent Involvement, Parental Warmth, ADHD Symptoms, and Reading Achievement

“…Parents of children with ADHD engage in more negative parenting compared with parents of children without ADHD (Wymbs, Wymbs, & Dawson, 2015). In addition, child ADHD symptoms have been associated with lower levels of warm and sensitive parenting practices (Breaux & Harvey, 2019; Demmer, Puccio, Stokes, McGillivray, & Hooley, 2018; Keown, 2012).…”

“…With regard to the parenting challenges associated with ADHD symptoms, research has often focused on how parenting influences child symptoms or outcomes. However, recent research has demonstrated that although lower levels of parental warmth predict later levels of ADHD symptoms, higher levels of ADHD symptoms also predict later levels of lower warm and consistent parenting (Breaux & Harvey, 2019; Demmer et al, 2018). These findings suggest a bidirectional link between child symptoms and aspects of parenting.…”