Work

Interaction effects of maternal and paternal violent discipline on adolescents’ behavior and emotions

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Background We examined the interaction effects of exposure to maternal and paternal violent discipline on behavioral and emotional problems at age 13. Methods Data from the Portuguese birth cohort Generation XXI (n = 4,610) was analysed. Participants reported parental disciplinary tactics at ages 7 and 13 using the Parent-Child Conflict Tactics Scale (psychological aggression, corporal punishment, severe physical assault), depressive symptoms, involvement in fights and substance use at age 13. Interaction models were performed to evaluate the effects of maternal and paternal discipline on adolescent outcomes. Results Psychological aggression by mothers and fathers at age 13 increased the likelihood of adolescents being involved in fights (OR:1.17,95%CI:1.07,1.27; OR:1.12,CI:1.02,1.23, respectively) and developing depressive symptoms (OR:1.48,CI:1.34,1.64; OR:1.14,CI:1.02,1.26, respectively). Maternal psychological aggression at age 13 was associated with increased odds of substance use (OR:1.23,CI:1.15,1.33), while corporal punishment increased the risk of both behavioral and emotional problems. Fathers’ corporal punishment at age 7 was associated with substance use (OR:1.11,CI:1.03,1.19). Severe physical assault by mothers at age 13 increased the odds of fights (OR:1.20,CI:1.00,1.43) and depressive symptoms (OR:1.36,CI:1.11,1.65). A multiplicative interaction was found between the use of corporal punishment by fathers at age 7 and by mothers at age 13 on behavioral and emotional problems. Parental psychological aggression and severe physical assault showed additive interaction effects on adolescent outcomes. Conclusions The combined use of violent discipline by fathers and mothers was associated with a multiplicative increase in the likelihood of adolescent negative behaviours and emotions than would be expected from the additive effects alone, suggesting a synergistic effect with significant implications for early interventions and prevention strategies. Key messages • Violent disciplinary practices are associated with behavior and emotional problems in adolescence. • The use of corporal punishment by mothers and fathers has a multiplicative effect on adolescent outcomes.

Source: European Journal of Public Health

DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckaf161.478

Authors: M Amorim, M Severo, S Fraga

Institution: Institute of Public Health, University of Porto

Language: English

Topic: Child Abuse and Trauma

Subfield: Clinical Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Peace, justice, and strong institutions

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,181