Children's Perceptions of Parental Emotional Neglect and Control
Author Information
Author(s): Robert Young, Susan Lennie, Helen Minnis
Primary Institution: MRC Social & Public Health Sciences Unit, Glasgow, UK
Hypothesis
This study explores the associations between children's perceptions of parental emotional neglect and future psychopathology.
Conclusion
Children's perceptions of neglect and control are associated with over twice the odds of psychiatric disorder at age 15.
Supporting Evidence
- A small group of children (3%) perceived their parents as almost always emotionally neglectful and controlling.
- This group had an increased odds of psychiatric disorder (OR 2.14).
- Children's perceptions of neglect and control are independently associated with later psychiatric disorder.
Takeaway
If kids feel their parents are not loving and are too controlling, they might have more problems when they grow up.
Methodology
A longitudinal study using latent class analysis to explore children's perceptions of parenting and their associations with psychiatric diagnoses.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to differential attrition, as children with psychiatric disorders may have been more likely to be absent from the study.
Limitations
The study's findings may be limited by sample attrition and the lack of objective evidence linking perceptions of neglect to actual neglect.
Participant Demographics
Children aged 11-15 from the West of Scotland, with a diverse socioeconomic background.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p = .006
Confidence Interval
95% CI 1.29–4.50
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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