Differential parenting and risk for psychopathology: a monozygotic twin difference approach

Abstract

Purpose Consistent and non-specific associations have been found between parenting style and major depression, anxiety disorders, and externalizing behavior. Although often considered part of twins’ shared environment, parenting can also be conceptualized as non-shared environment. Non-shared environmental influences have important effects on development but are difficult to test and sort out because of the possible confounding effects of gene-environment interactions and evocative gene-environment correlations. The MZ differences approach is one way to analytically investigate non-shared environment. Methods The aim of the present study is to use the MZ differences approach to investigate the relationship between differential parenting among 1,303 twin pairs (mean age 36.69 +/− 8.56) and differences in total symptom counts of major depression (MD), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), conduct disorder (CD), and anti-social behavior (ASB) during adulthood. Results Although effect sizes tended to be small, a number of results were significantly different from zero. Perceived differences in parental coldness was positively associated with internalizing disorders. Differences in protectiveness were negatively associated with MD, GAD, and ASB. Differences in authoritarianism were positively associated with MD and CD, but negatively associated with ASB. Conclusions Perceived differences in parenting style are associated with differences in MD, GAD, CD, and ASB outcomes in a sample of MZ twins. Despite the lack of a basis for making causal inferences about parenting style and psychopathology, these results are suggestive of such a relationship and show that non-shared environmental influence of parenting does in some cases significantly predict adult psychopathology.

Parenting style in childhood and mortality risk at older ages: a longitudinal cohort study

“…18 The PBI has been used to predict psychopathology; parental coldness and low levels of parental care have been shown to be consistently associated with depression and other mental health conditions in a non-specific manner. [21][22][23] Parental overprotection is also associated with mental health problems, 21,23 but evidence on this association is less consistent. 22 Parenting style scores were separately derived for the mother and father.…”

“…[21][22][23] Parental overprotection is also associated with mental health problems, 21,23 but evidence on this association is less consistent. 22 Parenting style scores were separately derived for the mother and father. They ranged from 0 (poorest parenting style: lowest levels of care and highest levels of overprotection) to 21 (optimal parenting style: highest levels of care and lowest levels of overprotection).…”

Attentional Control Explains Covariation Between Symptoms of Attention‐Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and Anxiety During Adolescence

“…We also found small but significant nonshared environmental influences common to attentional control, ADHD symptoms, and symptoms of GAD and social phobia. Examples of nonshared environment relevant to attention, anxiety and ADHD during adolescence might include different treatment by family members or peers (Long, Aggen, Gardner, & Kendler, ), or differential exposure to biological agents (Lessov‐Schlaggar et al., ). Further nonshared experiences (e.g., a traumatic classroom experience) may initiate differences between siblings that are then compounded by individual experiences over time (Plomin, ).…”

Parent attitudes and other comorbid behavioral problems in masturbating children

“…Nail biting and incontinence are the statistically significant disorders which co-habit with CM. The studies that have been conducted show that negative parental attitude cause a great number of negative impacts 26 . Following are the other physchological disorders; obsessive compulsive disorder 27 , sleeping disorders 15,28 , encopresis, NE, Pica, conduct disorder and attention deficient hyperactivity disorder 14,15,29 .…”