ScienceDaily (Nov. 19, 2009) — In a study published in an upcoming issue of The Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry researchers show that over reactive parenting, such as heavy criticism or yelling as a response to a child's negative behavior, can produce higher levels of aggression or rule-breaking in a child who is normally introverted, non-benevolent, non-conscientious, or imaginative.

Children who are extraverted, benevolent, conscientious, or not that imaginative by nature are least adversely affected by this parental response.

The research (taken from 586 families) shows that rule-breaking and aggressive behavior is influenced by the inherent personality traits of a child. The study also shows that aggression-related behavior generally decreases as the children grow but on average the rule-breaking behavior does not change, and both genders exhibit these behaviors between the ages six to fifteen. When examining both personality and gender boys and girls are not different affected by parenting methods.

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The above story is reprinted from materials provided by Wiley-Blackwell.

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Journal Reference:

1. A.D. de Haan, P. Prinzie, and M. Dekovic. How and why children change in aggression and delinquency from childhood to adolescence: moderation of overreactive parenting by child personality. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, Published Online: 19 Nov 2009 DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-7610.2009.02192.x

Disclaimer: This article is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Views expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of ScienceDaily or its staff.

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