Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 1, 2026

Assessing the Coherence of Parents' Short Narratives Regarding their Child Using the Five-Minute Speech Sample Procedure
Published on: September 19, 2019
Unpacking externalising problems: negative parenting associations for conduct problems and irritability
1School of Psychology, University of Sussex, Brighton BN1 9QH, UK. bonamy.oliver@sussex.ac.uk.
Background:
Reciprocal associations between negative parenting and child externalising problems are well documented, but measures commonly include child irritability, masking potential distinct associations for irritability and conduct problems.
Aims:
To illuminate links between negative parenting, child conduct problems and irritability over time.
Method:
A cross-lagged monozygotic (MZ) twin differences design was used in a UK sample (3154 twin pairs) at 4, 7 and 9 years.
Results:
Within-pair MZ differences in negative parenting were found to relate longitudinally to differences in conduct problems and irritability. Of note, negative parenting at age 7 was found to relate particularly to increased irritability at 9 years.
Conclusions:
Once genetics are taken into account, irritability in middle childhood may be particularly vulnerable to negative parenting, suggesting support for its malleability to parent-based intervention.
Related Concept Videos
Conduct Disorder
Oppositional Defiant Disorder
Diagnostic Criteria and...
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...
Socioemotional Development during Infancy
Primary Temperament Types
Bullying
Social Foundations of Self II: The Generalized Other

