Personal and couple level risk factors: Maternal and paternal parent-child aggression risk

UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Levi R. Baker, Assistant Professor (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/

Abstract: Previous literature examining parent-child aggression (PCA) risk has relied heavily uponmothers, limiting our understanding of paternal risk factors. Moreover, the extent to whichfactors in the couple relationship work in tandem with personal vulnerabilities to impact PCA risk is unclear. The current study examined whether personal stress and distress predicted PCA risk (child abuse potential, over-reactive discipline style, harsh discipline practices) for fathers as well as mothers and whether couple functioning mediated versus moderated the relation betweenpersonal stress and PCA risk in a sample of 81 couples. Additionally, the potential for risk factors in one partner to cross over and affect their partner’s PCA risk was considered. Findings indicated higher personal stress predicted elevated maternal and paternal PCA risk. Better couplefunctioning did not moderate this relationship but partially mediated stress and PCA risk forboth mothers and fathers. In addition, maternal stress evidenced a cross-over effect, whereinmothers’ personal stress linked to fathers’ couple functioning. Findings support the role of stressand couple functioning in maternal and paternal PCA risk, including potential cross-over effectsthat warrant further inquiry.

Additional Information

Publication
Child Abuse & Neglect, 69, 213-222.
Language: English
Date: 2017
Keywords
Child abuse potential, Child maltreatment risk, Couples, Perceived stress, Parent child relations, Parenting

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