Relations between parenting and externalizing and internalizing problem behaviour in early adolescence: child behaviour as moderator and predictor

J Adolesc. 2006 Jun;29(3):419-36. doi: 10.1016/j.adolescence.2005.08.003. Epub 2005 Sep 15.

Abstract

In this longitudinal study we investigated relations between parenting and externalizing and internalizing problem behaviour during early adolescence. First, we examined parenting effects on problem behaviour, including child behaviour as a moderator. Second, we examined child behaviour as predictor of parenting, also including moderator effects. A total of 650 13- to 14-year-olds filled out the Youth Self-Report and questionnaires about parenting at two times within a one-year interval. Relations between parenting and problem behaviour appeared to be stronger for externalizing than for internalizing problem behaviour. Both parenting effects and child effects were found. Parenting significantly predicted an increase in externalizing problem behaviour one year later. Adolescent's previous level of problem behaviour predicted changes in parenting (involvement and decisional autonomy granting). In addition, parental and child characteristics interacted in predicting outcome.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adolescent Behavior / psychology*
  • Affect
  • Age Factors
  • Child
  • Child Behavior Disorders / diagnosis*
  • Child Behavior Disorders / epidemiology
  • Child Behavior Disorders / psychology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Parent-Child Relations*
  • Parenting*
  • Personal Autonomy
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Social Perception
  • Surveys and Questionnaires*