Unhealthy Parenting and Potential Mediators as Contributing Factors to Future Intimate Violence: A Review of the Literature

• NCJ Number: 216027
• Journal: Trauma, Violence, & Abuse Volume: 7 Issue: 3 Dated: July 2006 Pages: 206-221
• Author(s): Jonathan P. Schwartz; Sally M. Hage; Imelda Bush; Lauren Key Burns
• Date Published: July 2006
• Length: 16 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Literature Review
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This article reviews research and theories that link poor parenting practices to the intergenerational transmission of intimate violence.

Abstract

The review begins with an analysis of corporal punishment, which has received the majority of research attention as a parenting practice linked to the intergenerational transmission of intimate violence. Indeed, a number of studies have found that experiencing corporal punishment as a child was significantly related to the use of intimate violence as an adult. Coercion theory is described, which asserts that the experience of coercive discipline tactics as a child leads to an antisocial style of development which in turn increases the likelihood of later aggressive behavior. The rejection sensitivity model is similarly described, which holds that the experience of rejection and hostility from parents may lead to general expectations of rejection, which in turn may result in intense behavioral reactions such as intimate violence. Research has linked this rejection sensitivity model to increased aggression toward peers and to involvement in dating violence. The role of parental neglect in the intergenerational transmission of intimate violence is reviewed before the authors turn their attention to possible mediators of family-of-origin factors and future intimate violence. Research has suggested that attachment, social skills, and emotional and behavioral regulation may exert a protective influence between poor parenting practices and future intimate violence. Primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention efforts for preventing the intergenerational transmission of intimate violence are considered and include parent management training (primary), mentoring programs (secondary), and group treatment (tertiary). Future research should focus on providing more empirical data on the link between poor parenting and future intimate violence as well as on possible mediators. Table, references