DefinePK

Research Objective

To determine the association between parenting practices and aggression in children with behaviour disorders.

Methodology

Cross-sectional study conducted at Children Hospital and Institute of Child Health, Lahore, Pakistan, from November 2020 to January 2021. Parents of 85 children aged 3-12 years diagnosed with behavior disorders (autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit hyperactive disorder, social communication disorder) and exhibiting aggressive behavior were enrolled. The Multidimensional Assessment of Parenting Scale (MAPS) was used to assess positive (proactive parenting, positive reinforcement, warmth, supportiveness) and negative (hostility, lax control, physical control) parenting practices. The Modified Overt Aggression Scale (MOAS) was used to assess aggression (verbal, against property, auto-aggression, physical aggression). Correlation and multiple regression analysis were performed.

Methodology Flowchart

                        graph TD
    A["Enroll Parents of Children with Behavior Disorders"] --> B["Assess Parenting Practices"MAPS""];
    B --> C["Assess Aggression"MOAS""];
    C --> D["Data Analysis Correlation & Regression"];
    D --> E["Identify Associations"];
    E --> F["Formulate Conclusions"];                    

Discussion

The study found that negative parenting practices, particularly lax control and physical control, are associated with increased aggression in children with behavior disorders. Conversely, positive parenting practices like supportiveness and positive reinforcement were associated with reduced aggression, especially verbal and auto-aggression. Lower maternal education was also linked to higher aggression. The findings suggest that interventions focusing on promoting positive parenting strategies could be beneficial for this population.

Key Findings

Leniency and inconsistent parenting (lax control) was a significant positive predictor of aggression (p<0.01). Supportiveness was a significant negative predictor of verbal aggression (p<0.01), while physical control positively predicted total aggression (p<0.05). Positive reinforcement decreased auto-aggression (p<0.05). Lower maternal education correlated with more aggressive behaviors (p<0.05).

Conclusion

Negative parenting practices may lead to aggression in children with behavior disorders. Positive reinforcement by parents may encourage less self-harm in these children and help improve their behavior problems. Parenting behavior is crucial in modifying problematic behaviors in children with behavior disorders.

Fact Check

1. The study was conducted from November 2020 to January 2021. (Confirmed)
2. Eighty-five children were initially enrolled, and 83 completed the study. (Confirmed)
3. Lax control was a significant positive predictor of aggression (p<0.01). (Confirmed)

Mind Map