Hostile parenting can lead to lasting mental health problems in young children, a new study finds. Hostile parenting is defined as harsh physical or psychological treatment, such as frequent shouting, routine physical punishment, isolating children who misbehave, and using words that damage their self-esteem. The study included more than 7,500 children, who had their mental health evaluated at the ages of 3, 5, and 9. Researchers looked at internalizing symptoms, such as anxiety and social withdrawal, and externalizing symptoms, such as hyperactivity and aggressive behavior. A parenting assessment was also conducted to determine what parenting style participants were experiencing: warm and supportive, consistent with clear expectations, or hostile.
The results showed that about 10% of the kids were exposed to hostile parenting at the age of three, and they were significantly more likely to be at high risk for mental health problems by age 9. One study author says, "We are not for a moment suggesting that parents should not set firm boundaries for their children's behavior, but it is difficult to justify frequent harsh discipline given the implications for mental health." His co-author adds that while hostile parenting alone may not lead to mental health problems, these findings highlight the importance of supporting parents so they can give their children a warm and positive upbringing.
