NCJ Number
218929
Journal
Journal of Family Violence Volume: 22 Issue: 4 Dated: May 2007 Pages: 187-196
Date Published
May 2007
Length
10 pages
Annotation
This study examined parents' use of harsh verbal and physical discipline according to the gender of the parent and child, as well as the link between parents' disciplinary methods and children's problem behaviors.
Abstract
In a community sample of 2,582 parents and their fifth- and sixth-grade children, boys received more harsh verbal and physical discipline than girls, with fathers using more harsh physical discipline with boys than did mothers. Both verbal and physical harsh discipline were associated with child behavior problems even when positive parenting (warmth and appropriate discipline) were also part of the parent-child interaction. A child's gender did not moderate the impact of harsh discipline on problem behavior; however, one dimension of positive parenting (i.e., parental warmth) did buffer children from the harmful influences of harsh physical discipline. Findings suggest that parent training programs should address the negative effects on children of harsh physical and verbal discipline. Such training has the potential to prevent future delinquent behaviors and psychological problems. Study participants were a subsample of those involved in the baseline assessment of the Dartmouth Prevention Project, a randomized control trial designed to prevent child and adolescent substance use. Participants were recruited from 12 pediatric primary care practices in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont. The variables analyzed were part of a larger questionnaire battery. Data were obtained on demographic and background variables, positive parenting (warmth and appropriate discipline), harsh verbal discipline, harsh physical discipline, and children's behaviors and mental states. 2 tables, 3 figures, and 30 references