Predictors of harsh parenting practices in parents of children with disabilities

Abstract

International research indicates that children with disabilities are more exposed to negative parenting than their non-disabled peers. The mechanisms behind this increased risk are likely operating at the levels of the individual child, the family and the broader social context. The present study investigated harsh parenting practices using self-report data from Swedish parents of children with disabilities (30 mothers and 14 fathers) and control parents (145 mothers and 25 fathers). Sweden provides an interesting context for the current research since it has outlawed physical punishment of children, displays comparatively small gaps in socio-economic circumstances and has implemented an extensive welfare system addressing the needs of children with disabilities and their families. There was no difference in harsh parenting practices between parents of children with disabilities and control parents. However, more fathers of children with disabilities than control fathers admitted use of violence at least once. Within the group of parents of children with disabilities, child disruptive behaviour problems predicted harsh parenting practices. Socio-economic disadvantage did not predict harsh parenting practices and possible explanations for this absent finding are discussed. Clinical and policy implications are discussed.

Keywords:

• intellectual disability
• parenting practices
• harsh parenting
• disruptive behaviour problems

Notes on contributors

David Norlin obtained his degree as a clinical psychologist from the University of Gothenburg, Sweden, in 2010. He is currently a PhD student under the supervision of Prof. Malin Broberg. His research is centred on the well-being of parents of children with disabilities and the delivery of parental support.

Ulf Axberg is a senior lecturer at the Department of psychology, University of Gothenburg. He has a long clinical experience as a child psychologist and family therapist. His research interest focuses mainly on the assessment and treatment of children displaying disruptive behaviour problems, and children exposed to domestic violence. He has had articles published in for example Family Process, Scandinavian journal of psychology, and Violence and Victims.

Malin Broberg is a professor and clinical psychologist, obtained her PhD from the Department of psychology, University of Gothenburg, in 2004. Since then she has focused her research on the psychological well-being and support to parents of children with disabilities and chronic illnesses.