The Use of AAP-Recommended Disciplinary Practice Guidelines among African American Caregivers of Children in Head Start Programs

Abstract

Objective. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that parents not use harsh disciplinary practices. Previous studies have characterized the disciplinary practices of African American parents as harsh, with reliance on more aggressive techniques not currently recommended by the AAP. However, recent research has indicated more disciplinary practice diversity among African Americans. This study describes factors associated with the use of AAP-recommended disciplinary practices among lower-income African American caregivers of children in Head Start. Methods. Subjects were caregivers of children at three Head Start sites. Participants were eligible for inclusion if the biological mother, biological father, or target child was identified as African American. Using consensus methods, responses to the Parental Discipline Methods Interview (PDMI) were described as consistent or inconsistent with AAP guidelines regarding use of negative disciplinary practices (e.g., spanking, yelling). Caregivers avoiding any of these inconsistent methods were referred to as “adherent.” Results. “Adherent” caregivers were older (32.5 years vs. 30.4 years) and had more education (86.0% vs. 75.4% high school graduates). They were also less likely to report that their child had behavioral problems (12.9% vs. 25.2%) or deficient social skills (1.7% vs. 8.0%). Conclusions. Lower-income African American caregivers were more likely to use disciplinary practices consistent with AAP guidelines if they had higher levels of education and were living in an urban setting. Caregivers describing their child as having fewer behavior problems, better social skills, or themselves as less stressed were also more likely to be “adherent.”

The Pediatrician’s Role in Educating Parents on Disciplinary Modalities

“…11 Therefore, African American children of lower socioeconomic status are at greatest risk for exposure to negative discipline. 1 One study of lower-income “Head Start” families found that parents with greater than a high school education were more adherent to AAP-recommended disciplinary practice guidelines. Because most families of higher economic status are also likely to be high school graduates, parental education appears to be a contributing factor in disciplinary practices.…”

“…Because most families of higher economic status are also likely to be high school graduates, parental education appears to be a contributing factor in disciplinary practices. 1…”

“…Yet most parents identify their child’s pediatrician as an important source of information on how to discipline their children, with the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommending that providers counsel parents on disciplinary practices beginning as early as 9 months of age. 1 Unfortunately, nearly 75% of parents reported that their pediatrician did not discuss discipline with them at their child’s last well visit, and 41% of these parents desired information about it. 2 Because education for discipline rarely occurs, recent research has aimed at finding ways to inform parents on appropriate disciplinary modalities.…”