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Infant temperament, parenting, and externalizing behavior in first grade: a test of the differential susceptibility

Robert H Bradley1, Robert F Corwyn

  • 1Center for Applied Studies in Education, University of Arkansas at Little Rock, 2801 S. University Ave., Little Rock, AR 72204, USA. rhbradley@ualr.edu

Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, and Allied Disciplines
|January 24, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Infant temperament and parenting interact to influence behavior problems. Supportive parenting, like maternal sensitivity and opportunities for productivity, benefits children with difficult temperaments, reducing externalizing behaviors.

Area of Science:

  • Developmental Psychology
  • Child Psychology
  • Behavioral Science

Background:

  • Investigating the differential susceptibility hypothesis.
  • Examining the interplay between infant temperament, parenting styles, and behavioral outcomes.
  • Focusing on externalizing behavior problems in first-grade children.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To test the differential susceptibility hypothesis.
  • To analyze how infant temperament moderates the relationship between parenting and behavior problems.
  • To identify specific parenting dimensions that influence the development of externalizing behaviors.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized data from the NICHD Study of Early Child Care.
  • Employed hierarchical regression analyses to examine interaction effects.
  • Controlled for demographic, life event, and child care variables.

Main Results:

  • Maternal sensitivity showed a stronger association with fewer behavior problems for children with difficult temperaments.
  • Opportunities for productivity were linked to fewer behavior problems in children with difficult temperaments.
  • Harsh parenting showed a trend towards increased behavior problems for difficult temperaments, though not statistically significant.

Conclusions:

  • Experiences fostering coping and self-regulation are crucial for children with difficult temperaments.
  • Positive parenting interventions may mitigate behavior problems in susceptible children.
  • Tailoring parenting support to child temperament is essential for optimal development.
Abstract

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