The relationship between parental anger and behavior problems in children and adolescents.

Abstract

Two studies examined the relationship between parental trait anger, parental symptomatology, and children's and adolescents' emotional/behavioral problems. Results of Study 1 suggested that parental trait anger did not serve as a mediator between parental symptoms and children's emotional/behavioral problems. Study 2, however, suggested that parental trait anger did serve as a mediator between parental depression and adolescents' emotional/behavioral problems. For internalizing behaviors, inward anger expression and trait anger were mediators in father-son dyads, and outward anger expression was a mediator in mother-daughter dyads. For externalizing behavior, inward anger expression was a mediator in father-son dyads, and outward anger expression was a mediator in mother-son dyads. These results suggest the importance of examining parental dispositions toward anger in relation to the psychological symptoms family members may experience.The importance of anger as a predictor of negative individual outcomes has been demonstrated throughout current research. For instance, anger has been related to Type A behavior (McCann, Woolfolk, Lehrer, & Schwarcz, 1987), aggression (McDougall, Venables, & Roger, 1991, a variety of psychological symptoms (e.g., depression and schizophrenia; Spielberger, Jacobs, Russell, & Crane, 1983), and a variety of physical symptoms (e.g., hypertension and heart disease; Spielberger & London, 1982). Few researchers, however, have examined the role that anger may play in the context of family systems and, in particular, how parental anger may be related to the outcomes of children and adolescents. In these cases, parental anger may directly and indirectly influence the behavior of children who may be genetically predisposed to an angry disposition or who may witness and then model parental anger.

Maternal Predictors of Rejecting Parenting and Early Adolescent Antisocial Behavior

“…For example, extensive research from both large longitudinal samples and clinical samples demonstrates links between maternal age at first birth and a diagnosis of conduct disorder, drug use, and gang membership among offspring (Nagin et al 1997;Pogarsky et al 2006;Wakschlag et al 2000). Similarly, a recent study demonstrated relatively consistent concurrent relations between maternal ratings of their trait anger and outward expression of anger and child and adolescent externalizing problems, particularly among boys (Renk et al 1999). Also, in a longitudinal study of low income children, an index of maternal personality risk, encompassing aggressiveness, defendence, and low social desirability, assessed when children were 18 months old, was associated with maternal reports of child externalizing problems at age 5 (Shaw et al 1996).…”

Fatherhood and Depression: A Review of Risks, Effects, and Clinical Application

“…Phares and Compas (1993) demonstrated a strong link between paternal affect and children's externalizing behavior in both sexes. Recent research has concluded that sons are more directly impacted than daughters (Renk, Phares, & Epps, 1999). Renk et al (1999) analyzed 150 father-mother-adolescent triads with parental age ranging from 25 to 70 with a Mean of 42.…”

“…Recent research has concluded that sons are more directly impacted than daughters (Renk, Phares, & Epps, 1999). Renk et al (1999) analyzed 150 father-mother-adolescent triads with parental age ranging from 25 to 70 with a Mean of 42. Higher levels of paternal depression were related with higher levels of paternal trait anger (r = .51, p < .01), outward anger expression (r = .67, p < 0.01) as well as inward expression (r = .73, p < 0.01) (Renk et al, 1999).…”

Why a universal population‐level approach to the prevention of child abuse is essential

“…Parental anger has been associated with poor parental adjustment (Renk et al, 1999), child behaviour problems and adjustment difficulties (Renk et al, 1999) and the use of physical punishment and coercive discipline strategies Thompson et al, 1999). In combination, a tendency towards hostile attributions and deficits in anger management may increase the risk of using excessive or severe physical punishment (Whiteman et al, 1987).…”