Impact of parenting on the development of chronic diseases in adulthood

Lisa B E Shields; Kenneth C Wilson; Steven T Hester; Joshua T Honaker

doi:10.1016/j.mehy.2019.01.015

Impact of parenting on the development of chronic diseases in adulthood

Med Hypotheses. 2019 Mar:124:72-75. doi: 10.1016/j.mehy.2019.01.015. Epub 2019 Jan 29.

Authors

Lisa B E Shields¹, Kenneth C Wilson², Steven T Hester³, Joshua T Honaker⁴

Affiliations

¹ Norton Neuroscience Institute, Norton Healthcare, Louisville, KY 40202, USA. Electronic address: LBES@earthlink.net.
² Norton Medical Group, Norton Healthcare, Louisville, KY 40241, USA. Electronic address: Kenneth.Wilson@nortonhealthcare.org.
³ Norton Medical Group, Norton Healthcare, Louisville, KY 40241, USA. Electronic address: Steven.Hester@nortonhealthcare.org.
⁴ Norton Medical Group, Norton Healthcare, Louisville, KY 40241, USA. Electronic address: Joshua.Honaker@nortonhealthcare.org.

PMID: 30798922
DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2019.01.015

Abstract

The life course theory refers to a method developed in the 1960s that utilizes a multifaceted approach to evaluate people's lives, structural contexts, and social change. Adversities in childhood are associated with a heightened risk of chronic illnesses in adulthood. Parents play an important role in developing self-esteem, self-confidence, and effective coping mechanisms in their children. We discuss the myriad adverse childhood experiences that may contribute to the development of chronic diseases in adulthood and offer several strategies aimed at mitigating the effects of adverse childhood experiences and educating parents about their responsibilities of nurturing and preparing a child for life.

Keywords: Childhood; Chronic disease; Life course; Parenting; Pediatrics.

MeSH terms

Adaptation, Psychological
Adult
Adverse Childhood Experiences
Child
Chronic Disease / prevention & control*
Education, Nonprofessional
Family Health
Female
Health Behavior
Humans
Male
Parenting*
Parents