Poster #88 - Observed parenting moderates associations between observed and reported youth psychosocial problems

• In Event: Poster Session 17

Abstract

Introduction. The family interaction macro-coding system (FIMS) is an observational coding assessment in which parenting styles and family functioning are indexed via parent, child, and family level codes (Holmbeck et al., 2007). Although the FIMS parenting and family scales are frequently used empirically, investigations routinely neglect the influence of the child’s behaviors through the exclusion of child-level behavioral codes. As an exception, Richmond et al. (2020) used an exploratory factor analysis (EFA) of the FIMS items in an Australian sample of youth to identify three factors describing child behaviors (i.e., immature communication, warmth, and negative child behaviors). However, this factor taxonomy has not been tested in other samples, and its predictive validity of youth self-reported behavior problems has not been examined. Therefore, the present study: (i.) replicates the Richmond child factor structure in an American sample, (ii.) observes its predictive utility by analyzing the direct effects of parent-child behaviors on youth self-reported outcomes, and (iii.) examines the moderating role of parental psychological control and acceptance on this relationship.

Method. Data were drawn from a rural (metro 6) community sample of youths (N =145, Mage = 12.9,) and their primary caregivers (93% mothers) who participated in a longitudinal study. All data used were from the first wave of data collection in which 102 parent-child dyads engaged in a recorded trip-planning discussion task. Trained research assistants coded these parent-child interactions in accordance with the family interaction macro-coding system protocol (Kaugars et al., 2011). Additionally, youth completed the Youth Self Report survey (YSR; Achenbach, 2001). Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was used to reproduce and assess the Richmond factor structure, and then composite scales of the child factors were computed. Finally, path analysis examined the relationships between parent/child behaviors and youth self-reported outcomes (somatic complaints, social problems, internalizing, and externalizing problem behaviors).

Results. The measurement model for the Richmond factors (immature communication, warmth, and negative behaviors) was replicated but required modifications to achieve an adequate model fit. The immature communication and negative behaviors factors were highly correlated (r = .740), resulting in the immature communication factor being removed from further analysis. Path models revealed no significant direct effects between parenting (psychological control/acceptance) or child behaviors (negative behavior/warmth) and youth self-reports. However, several significant parent-child interaction terms emerged across youth outcomes (Table 1), and their inclusion significantly increased the total variance explained by each model. Generally, low youth negative behaviors were associated with reduced problematic outcomes when parental psychological control was low, and acceptance was high. Alternatively, high youth negative behaviors were associated with increased problematic outcomes when met with high acceptance and low psychological control.

Discussion. Findings are consistent with a “goodness-of-fit” perspective on the interplay between child behavior and parenting. Notably, the degree to which observed child behaviors in the family context matched youth self-reported problems depended on the observed parenting in this context. These results support the use and utility of FIMS child factors in future research, but should be interpreted in light of the non-conflictual nature of the trip-planning discussion prompt.

Authors

• Cullin Howard, University of Georgia
  Presenting Author

• Geoffrey L. Brown, University of Georgia

• Alp Aytuglu, University of Georgia

• Clare R. Thomas, University of Georgia

• Lauren Beugels

• Assaf Oshri, University of Georgia