Can parenting foster resiliency to mental health problems in at-risk infants?

Abstract

Knowledge is scarce about how to promote mental health in children when they have started life facing various risks. This study investigated whether parents' interactions with their young children can facilitate mental health resiliency after starting life ‘at risk’ in infancy. Data were sourced from a longitudinal population-based study in Victoria, Australia. An ‘at-risk’ infant sample (N = 283) was identified, with difficult temperament, maternal mental health problems, substance misuse, home violence and social isolation (one or more risks). Parenting practices were measured throughout early childhood. The Child Behaviour Checklist assessed resilience at school-entry. Discriminant function analysis differentiated at-risk infants who became resilient versus non-resilient. Findings highlighted parenting interactions with young children characterised by low levels of harsh discipline promoting resiliency over time. A third of babies in the population may face significant stressors. Parents facing early risks could be supported to access evidence-based programs to facilitate young children's mental health.

Keywords::

• preschool children
• mental health
• resilience
• prevention
• parent–child interaction

Acknowledgements

We thank the families of the Victorian cities of Glen Eira, Greater Geelong, Kingston, Maribyrnong, Nillumbik and Stonnington who took part in this research.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Notes

^1. Email: [email protected]

^2. We acknowledge the limited scope of defining resilience in our study as absence of child problems rather than also the presence of positive social, emotional regulation and/or instrumental competence.

Additional information

Funding

This study was supported by an Equity Trustees grant and by the Victorian Government's Operational Infrastructure Support Program.