2-028 - Investigating intergenerational transmission of parenting and family processes: Does the apple fall far from the tree?

Session Type: Paper Symposium

Integrative Statement

Maladaptive parenting and family processes demonstrate continuity from one generation (G1) to the next (G2) and subsequently increase child (G3) risk for psychopathology and impairment (Conger et al., 2009). However, few investigations identify etiological mechanisms that perpetuate or prevent these intergenerational processes. This symposium endeavors to identify such mechanisms.

Utilizing structural equation modeling, multilevel modeling, and moderated regression, symposium investigations collectively reveal three key findings. First, results reveal that G2 partner behaviors influence intergenerational continuities in parenting. Specifically, studies found that positive parenting is passed across generations and subsequently influences parenting in G2s and their partners over time, and that intergenerational transmission of harsh parenting can be prevented by a G2 spouse's supportive behaviors towards G2s and G3s. Second, findings indicate that individual characteristics (i.e., G2 self-control and beliefs about parenting efficacy) protect against intergenerational transmission of maladaptive parenting. Third, results show that intergenerational continuities in maladaptive family processes (i.e., substance-use-specific parenting behaviors and family conflict) can be perpetuated by G2 and G3 psychopathology (including substance use and depression).

This symposium represents a rare opportunity to consider intergenerational continuity in family processes utilizing 4 intergenerational datasets encompassing a variety of economic and racial groups. Investigations utilize cutting-edge analytic techniques and integrate perspectives from 4 disciplines. Results implicate novel inter- (e.g., G2 partner behavior) and intra- (e.g., G2 psychopathology) individual mechanisms that drive intergenerational family processes. Results further identify time points (e.g., childhood, adolescence) and family members (G1s and G2s) through which these mechanisms operate to impact family and child development.

Sub Unit

• Family Context & Processes

Chairs

• William Andrew Rothenberg, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill

• Andrea Hussong, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill

Individual Presentations

• Intergenerational and partner influences on fathers’ positive parenting from early childhood to early adolescence - Presenting Author: David Kerr, Oregon Social Learning Center; Stacey Tiberio, Oregon Social Learning Center; Deborah Capaldi, Oregon Social Learning Center

• How to reverse intergenerational continuity in harsh parenting: Acquire self-control and a supportive partner - Presenting Author: Thomas Schofield, Iowa State University Human Development and Family Studies Program; Rand D. Conger, University of California, Davis Department of Human Ecology & Psychology; Kathi J. Conger, University of California, Davis Human Development and Family Studies Group

• Intergenerational transmission of substance-use-specific parenting practices - Presenting Author: Jennifer Bailey, Social Development Research Group, School of Social Work, University of Washington; Karl G Hill, Social Development Research Group, School of Social Work, University of Washington; Marina Epstein, Social Development Research Group, School of Social Work, University of Washington; Christine Steeger, Social Development Research Group, School of Social Work, University of Washington; J. David Hawkins, Social Development Research Group, School of Social Work, University of Washington

• Intergenerational continuity in high conflict family environments: Investigating a mediating depressive pathway - Presenting Author: William Andrew Rothenberg, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill; Andrea Hussong, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill; Laurie Chassin, Arizona State University