Factors Influencing Female Caregivers' Appraisals of Their Preschoolers' Behaviors

Abstract

Introduction: This study used the Resiliency Model of Family Stress, Adjustment, and Adaptation to explore family factors associated with primary female caregivers' appraisals of children's behaviors, distortion of their appraisals, and children's risk of having behavioral problems.

Method: A cross-sectional, correlational design was used. Data were collected from female caregivers of preschoolers. Instruments measured demographic characteristics, comfort in parenting, appraisal of behaviors, daily and parenting stress, depressive symptoms, social support, ratings of children's behaviors, and distortion in ratings. Analyses included χ² and simultaneous linear regression.

Results: Greater parenting discomfort and daily stress were associated with lower appraisals of children's behaviors. Caucasian race and higher distortion in behavioral ratings were associated with higher risk of behavioral problems. Caregiver's appraisal was associated with daily stress level and parenting comfort.

Discussion: Additional research is needed regarding how these factors affect children's behavior and causes of distorted parental views of children's behaviors.

Keywords: Child behavior; caregiver appraisal; family characteristics.