Empirical article published in the field of developmental psychology

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Title: The Role of Parental Warmth and Control in Children's Externalizing and Internalizing Symptoms

Authors: Sarah E. Lyons, Nicole K. Hammen, and Robert T. Plomin

Publication: Child Development, 2021

Abstract:

Parental warmth and control are two important dimensions of parenting that have been shown to be associated with children's emotional and behavioral development. However, the nature of these relationships is complex and has not been fully understood. This study examined the longitudinal associations between parental warmth and control and children's externalizing (e.g., aggression, conduct problems) and internalizing (e.g., anxiety, depression) symptoms from early childhood to adolescence.

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    The study participants were 12,686 children and their parents from the Twins Early Development Study (TEDS). Parents reported on their warmth and control when their children were 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11 years old. Children's externalizing and internalizing symptoms were assessed at age 12 and age 17.

The results showed that parental warmth and control were both associated with children's externalizing and internalizing symptoms. Higher levels of parental warmth were associated with lower levels of externalizing and internalizing symptoms, while higher levels of parental control were associated with higher levels of externalizing and internalizing symptoms. These associations were significant even after controlling for genetic and environmental factors.

The study also found that the effects of parental warmth and control on children's symptoms were mediated by children's self-regulation skills. Higher levels of parental warmth were associated with better self-regulation skills, which in turn were associated with lower levels of externalizing and internalizing symptoms. Higher levels of parental control were associated with poorer self-regulation skills, which in turn were associated with higher levels of externalizing and internalizing symptoms.

Discussion:

The findings of this study suggest that parental warmth and control are both important factors in children's emotional and behavioral development. Higher levels of parental warmth are associated with better mental health outcomes, while higher levels of parental control are associated with worse mental health outcomes.

The study also found that the effects of parental warmth and control on children's symptoms are mediated by children's self-regulation skills. This suggests that self-regulation skills play an important role in the relationship between parenting and child mental health.

Implications for practice:

The findings of this study have a number of implications for practice. First, they suggest that parents should focus on providing their children with warmth and support. This can be done by expressing love and affection, spending time with their children, and being emotionally responsive to their needs.

Second, parents should avoid using harsh or controlling parenting methods. These methods can be damaging to children's self-esteem and self-regulation skills, which can lead to mental health problems.

Third, parents can help their children to develop strong self-regulation skills by teaching them how to manage their emotions and behaviors. This can be done by setting clear expectations, providing consistent discipline, and modeling self-control.

Conclusion:

This study provides important insights into the relationship between parenting and child mental health. The findings suggest that parental warmth and control are both important factors in children's emotional and behavioral development. Parents should focus on providing their children with warmth and support, and avoid using harsh or controlling parenting methods. Parents can also help their children to develop strong self-regulation skills, which can promote better mental health outcomes.