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Negative affect and parental aggression in child physical abuse.
Oommen K Mammen1, David J Kolko, Paul A Pilkonis
1Department of Psychiatry, Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, University of Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.
Child Abuse & Neglect
|July 3, 2002
Summary
Parental negative affect, including depression and hostility, contributes to minor parent-to-child aggression (PTCA). This suggests emotion-focused treatments may help abusive parents manage aggressive impulses.
Area of Science:
- Child Psychology
- Aggression Research
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Parental negative affect is a known risk factor for child physical abuse.
- Negative affect can contribute to aggressive behaviors, including those directed at children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the link between parental negative affect and parent-to-child aggression (PTCA).
- To investigate this relationship in parents reported to Child Protective Services for physical abuse.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of baseline data from 49 participants in a child physical abuse treatment study.
- Assessed depression, anxiety, and hostility using the Beck Depression Inventory and Brief Symptom Inventory.
- Measured PTCA using the Conflict Tactics Scale's physical aggression subscales, controlling for parental attributions and contextual factors.
Main Results:
- Negative affect significantly contributed to Minor Physical Violence (a form of PTCA).
- No significant contribution was found for Severe Physical Violence.
- Depression showed the strongest link to PTCA, followed by hostility.
Conclusions:
- Parental negative affect may be an important factor in PTCA, suggesting a need for emotion-focused treatments.
- PTCA might involve impulsive aggression, driven by negative affect in response to aversive events.