Theoretical Models of Affectionate Versus Affectionless Control in Anxious Families: A Critical Examination Based on Observations of Parent–Child Interactions

Abstract

Psychosocial theories focused on the intrafamilial transmission of anxiety often concentrate on specific parenting behaviors that increase risk of anxiety disorders in children. Two such theories--affectionate versus affectionless control--both implicate parenting, although differently, in the pathogenesis of childhood anxiety. The present article reviews observational studies that focus on interactions between parents and children in anxious families in order to examine critically each of these two models. We divide these observational studies into two groups: those that seek to characterize the behavior of anxious parents (top-down studies) versus parents of anxious children (bottom-up studies). This approach reveals that there is a consistent relationship between controlling parental behavior in families with anxiety-disordered children as well as a consistent relationship between parental behavior low in warmth and families with anxiety-disordered parents. The present article discusses the implications of the pattern that unfolds from the observational studies of the last decade and provides suggestions for future research in the area.

A preliminary investigation of the impact of maternal obsessive-compulsive disorder and panic disorder on parenting and children

“…One factor known to affect children is parenting interactions (DiBartolo & Helt, 2007). Consistent with previous research, in observed interactions with their children, anxious mothers (from both the OCD and panic groups) were less promoting of psychological autonomy and less warm than healthy controls.…”

“…A high level of parental 'expressed emotion' defined by emotional over-involvement or criticism has been related to anxiety disorders in the children of anxious or depressed parents (Hirshfeld, Biederman, Brody, & Faraone, 1997). Observational research examining parent-child interactions has indicated that parents with anxiety disorders may be less warm and promoting of children's psychological autonomy (DiBartolo & Helt, 2007;Ginsburg et al, 2004;Whaley, Pinto, & Sigman, 1999), although this may be more related to child than parental anxiety (Moore, Whaley, & Sigman, 2004). In non-clinical samples parental anxietydepression and over-control have been linked to child internalizing problems (Bayer, Sanson, & Hemphill, 2006), as has the extent to which parental anxiety is expressed to children (Gruner, Muris, & Merckelbach, 1999;Muris & Merckelbach, 1998).…”

Differential parenting and risk for psychopathology: a monozygotic twin difference approach

“…Consistent associations have been found between perceived parenting and major depression [1–4], anxiety disorders [5–7], and externalizing behavior [8]. These associations appear to be non-specific.…”

Effect of maternal panic disorder on mother–child interaction and relation to child anxiety and child self-efficacy

“…and a less consistent relationship between low parental warmth and anxiety-disordered children (see DiBartolo and Helt 2007;McLeod et al 2007;Rapee 1997). To explore the effect of type of dyad, the sample was divided into four groups, based on the panic status of the mother and the anxiety status of the child.…”