Hostile Parenting Can Nearly Double Children's Risk of Mental Health Symptoms

hostile parenting consistent parenting childhood mental health

By E.Baloyo , Parent Herald Apr 04, 09:50 am

Photo: (Photo : SETH HERALD / Getty Images)

A recent study has shed light on the harmful impact of hostile parenting on children's mental health.

The study, which tracked over 7,500 children in Ireland from 9 months to 9 years old, found that parenting styles that involved physical discipline and overbearing behavior doubled the risk of children developing mental health symptoms.

The study was published on Thursday in the medical journal Epidemiology and Psychiatric Sciences.

Hostile Parenting Increases Risk of Mental Health Symptoms

A study published in the Epidemiology and Psychiatric Sciences medical journal revealed that children exposed to hostile parenting at age 3 had an increased likelihood of developing high-risk mental health symptoms and mild-risk mental health symptoms at the age of 9.

According to Good Morning America, lead author Dr. Ioannis Katsantonis, a doctoral researcher at the University of Cambridge, stated that the study results suggest that hostile parenting should be avoided as much as possible in early childhood to prevent children from developing increased mental health symptoms.

Additionally, the study found that parents of children in the high-risk category experienced greater stress and were more likely to have ongoing physical and mental health problems.

In other words, hostile parenting, which includes physical discipline and over-controlling behavior, can have long-term negative effects on children's mental health. The study's findings highlight the importance of promoting positive parenting practices to ensure the well-being of children.

Parents who may be experiencing stress or facing other challenges may benefit from additional support and resources to improve their parenting skills and provide a healthy environment for their children to thrive.

Consistent parenting can promote mental health in children

Furthermore, consistent parenting, which involves the consistent application of expectations and rules, provides mild protection for children at lower risk of developing mental health symptoms.

According to ABC, Dr. Katsantonis highlighted that consistency refers to parental expectations about their children's behavior and the consequences of misbehaving, which can provide children with a sense of predictability and security, acting as a buffer against worsening mental health.

However, parenting is not the sole factor that influences mental health, Katsantonis added.

Living in a lone-parent household, experiencing financial hardship, having health issues, or having parents with health problems can also impact a child's mental health outcomes.

These factors may offset any positive benefits of warm parenting in terms of promoting good mental health.

Therefore, a holistic approach to mental health promotion is important, and additional factors that may impact a child's mental well-being should be addressed.

Additionally, the study also highlights the need for parental support to promote mental well-being in children, as emphasized by lead co-author Dr. Jennifer Symonds.

Strategies for Adopting a Positive Parenting Style

As per DadsNet, hostile parenting is a style of parenting characterized by physical discipline and overly controlling behavior that is often known as outdated style of parenting.

This parenting style can have negative effects on children's mental health, leading to anxiety, depression, and aggressive behavior.

Children who experience hostile parenting are also more likely to have problems with self-esteem, social relationships, and academic achievement.

Instead of adopting a hostile parenting style, parents should aim to adopt a positive parenting style.

This involves active listening, setting clear expectations and boundaries, using positive reinforcement, being warm and supportive, and avoiding physical discipline.

By adopting a positive parenting style, parents can create a safe and loving environment for their children to thrive in.

While it may be challenging to change parenting styles, with practice and patience, parents can learn to communicate effectively, set appropriate boundaries, and provide a nurturing environment for their children's healthy development.