NCJ Number
210039
Journal
Journal of Interpersonal Violence Volume: 17 Issue: 8 Dated: August 2002 Pages: 836-853
Date Published
August 2002
Length
18 pages
Annotation
Utilizing parent-child interaction analogs, this study examined sequences of interaction between abusive and non-abusive parents and their behavior-problem children.
Abstract
Social-interactional models are seen as fundamental in clinical research on abusive parent-child interactions. These models assume the influence of both the parent’s and child’s behaviors on outcomes. This study focused on the coercion model which states that parents do not use reasoning to manage their children’s behavior but tend to discipline or correct their children by yelling, threatening, and whining. In an attempt to extend existing research, this study investigated the contexts that allow coercive behavior to emerge outside of the command-compliance arena. The study specifically examined whether there was evidence suggesting that children might interpret questions as coercive tools of the parent. Also examined were parents’ responses to their children’s acknowledgements versus descriptions, and answers versus non-answers, in the belief that abusive parents would respond more negatively to non-answers and attempt to quickly regain control over their children. Participants in the study consisted of 30 mother-child dyads selected from a larger group participating in parent-child interaction therapy (PCIT). Results indicate no evidence to suggest that either abused or non-abused children considered questions coercive. Both groups of children were likely to answer questions and were likely to respond neutrally rather than negatively. Overall, the results portrayed abusive parents and their children as vigilant to threats to their control and willing to use coercive tactics to regain control, however, their use of coercive tactics did not extend to all situations. Tables and references