A
new study found that parenting styles, including physical discipline
and overcontrolling behavior, referred to as "hostile" parenting, nearly
doubled the risk for their children to develop mental health symptoms.
The study followed over 7,500 children in Ireland from 9 months old until they were up to 9 years old.
- Children
exposed to hostile parenting at age 3 were 1.5 times more likely to
have high-risk mental health symptoms and 1.6 times more likely to have mild-risk mental health symptoms by age 9.
- Consistent
parenting, where expectations and rules are consistently applied, was
mildly protective in children at lower risk for developing mental health
symptoms.
- The researchers did not find any change in risk for
mental health symptoms with "warm" parenting styles, which previous
research has suggested is protective.
- Parental support is needed to promote mental well-being in children, and evidence-based parent management programs should be readily accessible in all communities for parents.
- Parents
of children in the high-risk class had more significant stress and a
greater likelihood of ongoing physical and mental health problems. They
also might need additional support and resources to address their own
needs and enhance their parenting skills.
- Mental
health symptoms are not solely caused by parenting techniques, as there
are many factors, such as genetics, but parenting is one area to
intervene.
