Work

Association between maladaptive parenting and child self-control over time: cross-lagged study using a monozygotic twin difference design

Year: 2012

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Harsh parenting practices and negative parental feelings may be environmental risk factors for low self-control in children. Children may also evoke certain parenting reactions. AIMS: To investigate the longitudinal relationship between parenting and self-control, as well as associated outcomes within the monozygotic (MZ) twin differences framework. METHOD: Longitudinal MZ twin differences analysis was conducted on a community sample of 5184 twins using data from ages 3, 4, 7 and 9 years. Outcomes related to self-control and parenting were analysed at age 12 years. RESULTS: Non-shared environmental effects of parenting on the development of self-control and an evocative effect of child self-control on parenting were found. Harsh parenting predicted conduct problems for both boys and girls. Self-control at age 9 predicted conduct problems and emotional difficulties at age 12. CONCLUSIONS: Parenting and child self-control affect one another, highlighting the potential of early interventions that target parents and children simultaneously.

Source: The British Journal of Psychiatry

DOI: 10.1192/bjp.bp.111.107581

Authors: Charlotte A. M. Cecil, Edward D. Barker, Sara R. Jaffee, Essi Viding

Institutions: University College London, University of London, Birkbeck, University of London, Medical Research Council

Language: English

Topic: Child and Adolescent Psychosocial and Emotional Development

Subfield: Clinical Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: bronze

Funder: Medical Research Council