Maternal temperament and parenting practices as predictors of children’s behavior problems

Abstract

Considering the relations between mothers’ temperament, parenting behaviors, and children’s behavior problems, parents’ temperament and negative parenting practices can act as risk factors for increasing behavior problems in children. The present study examined the associations between parenting practices, maternal temperament, and children’s behavior problems. The sample comprised 50 mothers and their 2-to-6-year-old children living in Brazil. The mothers reported on their parenting behaviors (ACT scale) and temperament (Adult Temperament Questionnaire), as well as their children’s behavior problems (Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire). Multiple regression analysis was performed. The results showed that less positive discipline practice and maternal temperament with low effortful control predicted children’s total behavior problems. These findings highlight the relevance of mothers’ regulation of their emotions and behaviors toward their children and the protective role of positive parenting practices in mitigating children’s behavior problems. The present study advances the previous research on temperament in Brazil by adding mothers’ parenting practices into the children’s behavior problem model.