Aversive Parenting in China: Associations With Child Physical and Relational Aggression

Keywords

Chinese Mothers, Chinese Fathers, childhood aggression

Abstract

This study assessed the combined and differential contributions of Chinese mothers and fathers (in terms of spouse‐reported physically coercive and psychologically controlling parenting) to the development of peer‐reported physical and relational aggression in their preschool‐age children (mean age of 5 years). Results of the two‐group (boys and girls) latent sum and difference structural equation model showed that combined parenting effects were slightly more prevalent than differential effects in predicting aggression. Furthermore, physical coercion was predictive of aggression in boys whereas psychological control was primarily associated with aggression in girls. Findings extend our understanding of relational aggression and the meaning of aversive parenting, particularly within the Chinese cultural context.

Original Publication Citation

Nelson, D.A., Hart, C. H., Yang, C., Olsen, J.A. & Jin, S. (2006). Aversive parenting in China: Associations with child physical and relational aggression. Child Development, 77, 554-572.

Document Type

Peer-Reviewed Article

Publication Date

2006-05-09

Permanent URL

http://hdl.lib.byu.edu/1877/5435

Publisher

Child Development

Language

English

College

Family, Home, and Social Sciences

Department

Family Life

University Standing at Time of Publication

Full Professor

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