The impact of self-perceived coping mechanisms on the relationship between maternal childhood maltreatment history and harsh parenting

WCU Author/Contributor (non-WCU co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Heather Nicole Styles-Turbyfill (Creator)
Institution
Western Carolina University (WCU )
Web Site: http://library.wcu.edu/
Advisor
David Solomon

Abstract: A relationship between a maternal caregiver history of childhood maltreatment and current harsh/impaired parenting practices has been supported throughout previous research. Consistently, studies have shown that a maternal history of childhood abuse is associated with current harsh parenting practices with their own children. Harsh parenting practices have, in turn, been shown to be associated with several long-lasting negative effects in children throughout their lifetime. The current study expanded upon the current research to evaluate how self-perception of coping abilities potentially moderated the established relationship between maternal caregiver history of childhood maltreatment and current harsh parenting practices. Although findings from the current study did not display a significant relationship between the variables of interest, social desirability was found to have a significant negative relationship with reports of current use of harsh parenting practices. Furthermore, participants within the current study who endorsed higher concerns with socially acceptable responding additionally indicated lower implementation of current harsh parenting practices. It is possible that this reflects a bias in responding due to a hesitancy to report parenting styles and methods that could be viewed negatively. The potential interaction of self-perceived coping effectiveness on the established variables of interest remains a valuable research initiative. Methods of alternative means of data collection outside of self-reporting should be considered when assessing current parenting practices to avoid potentially unreliable reporting.

Additional Information

Publication
Dissertation
Language: English
Date: 2023
Keywords
child maltreatment, coping, harsh parenting
Subjects
Parenting
Discipline of children
Adjustment (Psychology)
Child abuse
Victims of family violence

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