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Examining bidirectional associations between overprotective parenting and adolescent problem behaviors: a multiverse
Nele Flamant1, Bart Soenens1, Henning Tiemeier2
1Department of Developmental, Social, and Personality Psychology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
Summary
Overprotective parenting in adolescence may lead to increased problem behaviors over time. This study found stronger evidence for this direction of effect compared to the reverse.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Psychology
- Adolescent Psychology
- Family Studies
Background:
- Cross-sectional designs limit understanding of bidirectional links between overprotective parenting and adolescent behavior.
- Previous longitudinal studies show mixed results on the direction of influence.
- The current study addresses these limitations by investigating the interplay over time.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically investigate the potentially bidirectional relationship between overprotective parenting and adolescent functioning.
- To examine the direction of effects using a robust analytical approach.
Main Methods:
- Utilized two-wave longitudinal data from the Flemish Study on Parenting, Personality, and Development (FSPPD).
- Included 588 adolescents, their parents, and teachers.
- Employed latent change models within a multiverse framework to analyze parental overprotection and adolescent externalizing/internalizing behaviors.
Main Results:
- Found stronger evidence that overprotective parenting predicts a greater increase in adolescent problem behavior over two years.
- Evidence for the opposite direction (problem behavior predicting overprotective parenting) was weaker.
Conclusions:
- The findings support a directional effect from overprotective parenting to increased adolescent problem functioning.
- Highlights the utility of multiverse analysis in understanding developmental trajectories.
- Suggests interventions targeting parenting styles may mitigate adolescent behavioral issues.
Keywords:
Overprotective parentingadolescencebidirectional associationsmultiverse analysisproblem behaviorMore Related Videos
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