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Gaps in pediatricians' advice to parents regarding early childhood aggression
Seth J Scholer1, Robert L Nix, Barron Patterson
1Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232-8555, USA.
Abstract:
Persistent early childhood aggression is a strong predictor of violence later in life. To determine how well general pediatricians counsel parents regarding aggression management strategies, responses to open-ended questions and endorsements of specific aggression management strategies, among 27 pediatricians were evaluated. Sixteen (59%) screened regularly for aggression and 23 (85%) counseled (rather than referred) if there were parental concerns. Pediatricians were most likely to spontaneously recommend time-outs (85%) and verbal reprimands (78%) and much less likely to recommend other strategies such as redirecting (26%, p < 0.01) and promoting empathy (22%, p < 0.001). Pediatricians did endorse other aggression management strategies, however, when specifically asked about them. Pediatricians appear to take a limited approach to counseling parents of children with hurtful behavior. To increase health care providers' role in violence prevention, more systematic efforts are needed to increase rates of screening for early childhood aggression and to broaden the scope of how pediatricians counsel parents.
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Bullying
Aggression
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Socioemotional Experience and Gender Development
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Parenting Styles
Authoritarian Parenting
This style is strict and controlling, with little room for open dialogue. Authoritarian parents demand obedience and often enforce rules with minimal warmth. Children raised this way may lack social skills and initiative, usually comparing themselves to others unfavorably.
Authoritative Parenting
This...

