Parent Psychopathology and IT\'s Influence

Parent Psychopathology and It's Influence On Behavioral Problems In Children: Maximizing Learning And Social Emotional Growth

Parental Self-Esteem

Amato, P.R. & Finken, L.L. (1993). Parental self-esteem and behavior problems in Children:

Similarities between mothers and fathers. Sex Roles: A Journal of Research, 28, 569-570.

The primary subject of this article is an examination of the connection between child problems and the self-esteem level of mothers and fathers. The study utilizes information collected from the National Survey of Families and Households. The authors hypothesize that behavior problems among children can be associated with low self-esteem in both their mother and father. The authors also test the hypothesis that child behavior problems are stronger when self-esteem problems exist in the mother than in the father. The findings reveal that parents who reported children with behavioral problems generally had lower self-esteem levels than those that did not. However the results do not support the notion that low self-esteem is more impacting for mothers than for fathers. The authors conclude that parental self-esteem may impact children's behavior in combination with many other demographic factors, based on research conducted in previous studies on parental and child behavioral relationshiops.

Parental-Child Behavior

Atkeson, B; Gnagy, E.M.; Greenslade, K.E; Greiner, a.R.; Lang, a.R.; Murphy, D.A.;

Pelham, W.E. & Hamilton, M.V. (1997). Effects of deviant child behavior on parental distress and alcohol consumptions in laboratory interactions. Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology, 25, 413.

This study examines the relationship between deviant behavior in children and its impact on parental stress, psychopathology and alcohol consumption. The approach is slightly different from the majority in this field, focusing on the impact of children's behavior on their parent's behavior rather than vice versa. Specifically the authors suggest that parents of children exhibiting deviant behaviors have an elevated risk for alcohol related problems, which can in turn lead to behavioral problems in the parent as well as child. The adverse effects of parental consumption are examined with regard to the interactional patterns in children. The authors find that parents with fewer social support factors and networks in place are more likely to be impacted by deviant behaviors than others. Stress and negative mood are also found to be more common in women than in men in this study.

Bell, R.Q. & Shaw, D.S. (1993). Development theories of parental contributors to antisocial behavior. Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology, 21, 493.

The author's purpose in this study is close examination of psychopathology and mounting evidence which suggests that parent and child interactions influence the etiology of antisocial behavior. Specifically the study seeks to determine what theories of parent and child relationships and family management techniques are available and how specific studies are relative to parental and child behaviors. The study reveals that there is a close correlation between anti-social behavior demonstrated in children and the type of behavior demonstrated by parents. There is no indication from the authors however whether positive behaviors are also transferred from parent to child. The authors conclude that there is mounting evidence which supports the importance of more closely examining the relationship that exists between parent and child, specifically with regard to antisocial behavior.

Family-Therapy and Behavior

Berg, W.K.; Derby, M.; Horner, R.H. & Peterson, S.M. (2002). Collaboration with families in the functional assessment of and intervention for severe behavior problems. Education & Treatment of Children, 25, 5-7.

The purpose of this article as stated by the authors is a discussion of the issue of children's behavior problems with particular emphasis on interventions used by highly trained clinicians combined with parental involvement. Specifically the authors attempt to offer information about the benefits of parental collaboration and behavioral analysis as a part of the intervention process therapists use to treat and assess behavioral problems in children. The authors conclude that parents can substantially improve the effectiveness of behavioral therapy processes when they collaborate with therapists. The authors also conclude that behavioral interventions should be designed in a manner that offers information about parental skills, abilities and behaviors as well as children's behavior.

Boyd, K.; Dunst, C.J.; Hamby, D.W. & Trivette, C.M. (1995). Family-oriented program models, help giving practices and parental control appraisals. Exceptional Children, 62, 237

In this journal article, the authors suggest that little research has been devoted to examining the influences family centered practices have on children's behavior. Specifically the article addresses the need to involve parents in each phase of the early intervention process and suggests that parental behaviors can be addressed and modified to help parents gain a sense of control when obtaining services for their children. The authors encourage therapy that centers of family oriented models for behavioral success rather than child structured models alone. The authors conclude by noting that efforts to develop and change program policies and practices targeted toward early intervention need to continue becoming family centered and thus are more likely to be effective at controlling, evaluating and managing behavioral problems.

Children's Perceptions and Parental Behavior

Brenner, V. & Fox, R.A. (1998). Parental discipline and behavior problems in young children. Journal of Genetic Psychology, 159, 251.

In this journal article the authors examine the relationship between parenting practices and behavior problems among young children. Specifically the author's hypothesis that children's behavior is directly affected by the actions of their parents, and also hypothesize that parental behavior may be influenced by the actions of their children. The results of the study indicate that behavioral problems in children are related to parental nurturing standards and expectations placed on children. Several other variables however including socio-economic factors were identified as influencing the development of anti-social behavior in parents and children.

Cicchetti, D.; Kim, J. & Toth, S.L. (2002). Relations among children's perceptions of maternal behavior, attributional styles and behavioral symptomatology in maltreated children. Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology, 30, 487.

In this journal article, the authors discuss the experience of child maltreatment, noting the effects of such treatment on biological, psychological and social functioning. The aim of the study is to examine the relationship that exists between children's perceptions of their mother's behavior and their subsequent clinical behaviors and psychopathology. The authors use a two group structural equation modeling technique to examine the different relationships and variables affecting boy and girl children. The authors conclude that the perceptions of parents can operate as a mediator of behavioral symptoms evidenced in children. Additionally, the authors suggest that preventive efforts should be aimed at interpreting and repairing the relationship that exists between parents and children in order to correct behavioral problems in both.

Dunlap, G; Fox, L. & Powell, D. (2002). Young children with challenging behavior:

Issues and considerations for behavior support. Journal of Positive Behavior Interventions, 4, 208.

The purpose of this journal article is to examine the importance of early intervention to promote healthy social and emotional development in young children. Specifically the authors point out that appropriate practices and psychological research needs to focus on increasing the awareness among educators and researchers that children's behavior is impacted by behavioral patterns demonstrated in the home including those demonstrated by parents. The article also discusses the issues surrounding behavior support for children living in an environment where they lack a strong behavior support model. The article suggests that socio-economic factors influence parental psychopathology and behavior which in turn impacts a child's behavior. The key to addressing challenging behaviors therefore revolves around addressing all of these issues.

Parental Influence on Behavior

Paul, a.M. (1998, January - February). Do parents really matter? Psychology Today, 31,

In this magazine article, the author attempts to present arguments for and against the belief that parental psychopathology and behaviors influence children's behavior and their subsequent adult personalities. The author presents numerous arguments both in favor of the idea that parental behavior is influential and others against this notion. At one point the author presents evidence which argues that parents can influence the behavior of their children by determining who their peers are. The author cites other research which suggests that parental behaviors do not have any effect on the psychological characteristics of their children. The author concludes that the largest and most wide reaching studies suggests that parental behavior has relatively little long-term influence on how children turn out and behave when adults.