Direction of effects: family life styles and behavior of TMR children.

Abstract

The direction of effects were examined between TMR children and their families in three previously determined family types: cohesive, harmonious; control oriented, somewhat unharmonious; and child-oriented, expressive. Child variables studied were measures of adaptive behavior, psychosocial adjustment, and self-esteem. Family variables included measures of cohesion and conflict, provision of cognitive stimulation, parental warmth and affection, quality of the residential environment, and openness with the interviewer. Cross-lagged panel analysis revealed different directions of effect in the three family types. In cohesive families the family tended to influence the child, whereas in control-oriented and child-oriented families, the child tended to influence the family. Possible reasons for these findings and implications for further research were discussed.