NCJ Number
238308
Journal
Child Abuse & Neglect Volume: 36 Issue: 2 Dated: February 2012 Pages: 95-107
Date Published
February 2012
Length
13 pages
Annotation
This study evaluated the relationship between children's self-regulation and positive parental behaviors and child adjustment.
Abstract
The study findings indicate that in physically abused children with low levels of self-regulation, positive parental behaviors act as a protective factor to reduce externalizing symptomatology. In addition, the study indicates that physically abused children with low levels of self-regulation suffered detrimental effects resulting from negative parental behaviors. The main focus of this study was to determine whether physically abused children with low levels of self-regulation were susceptible to both negative and positive parental behaviors. Data for the study were obtained from a sample of physically abused children (n=95) from economically disadvantaged families. The children were ages 4-7 with substantiated reports of physical abuse. Data were collected at three time periods: in preschool, kindergarten, and first grade. Information on children's self-regulation was obtained from parent reports, while teachers provided information on the presence of externalizing and internalizing symptomatology. Parent self-reports were used to measure positive parenting. Structural equation modeling was used to examine whether positive parenting acted as a protective factor for the development of externalizing symptomatology in physically abused children with low levels of self-regulation. The findings suggest that the presence of positive parenting can reduce the negative effects stemming from low self-regulation, especially in physically abused children. Study limitations are discussed. Tables, figures, and references