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TEMPERAMENT AND BEHAVIORAL PROBLEMS AMONG INFANTS IN ALCOHOLIC FAMILIES

Ellen Peterson Edwards1, Kenneth E Leonard, Rina DAS Eiden

  • 1Research Institute on Addictions, Buffalo, New York.

Infant Mental Health Journal
|May 14, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Paternal alcoholism is linked to infant temperament issues and later behavior problems. Associated parental depression significantly contributes to these negative outcomes in children.

Area of Science:

  • Child Development
  • Psychopathology
  • Addiction Studies

Background:

  • Paternal alcoholism presents risks for child behavioral development.
  • Parental psychopathology and maternal drinking can exacerbate these risks.
  • Understanding these complex interactions is crucial for early intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine the association between paternal alcoholism and infant temperament and behavior problems.
  • To investigate the role of parental psychopathology and maternal drinking in modifying these risks.
  • To identify specific pathways through which paternal alcoholism impacts child development.

Main Methods:

  • Longitudinal study of 213 families with assessments at 12 and 18 months postpartum.
  • Comparison of control families, paternal alcoholic families, and families with both paternal alcoholism and maternal heavy drinking.
  • Statistical analyses to assess temperament and behavior problem associations, controlling for confounding factors.

Main Results:

  • Infants of alcoholics showed more persistent temperaments at 12 months and internalizing problems at 18 months.
  • Internalizing problems were linked to paternal depression alongside paternal alcoholism.
  • Paternal alcohol problems predicted externalizing problems in children of non-depressed mothers, but not in children of depressed mothers.

Conclusions:

  • Paternal alcoholism poses significant risks for infant temperament and behavior.
  • Paternal depression is a key mediator of internalizing problems in children of alcoholics.
  • Maternal depression status influences the impact of paternal alcoholism on externalizing behaviors.
  • Comprehensive assessment of family context is vital when studying children of alcoholic parents.

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