Adolescents' Perceptions of Parenting Behaviors Mediate the Association of Maternal Childhood Abuse with Adolescent Externalizing Behaviors.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Exposure to childhood maltreatment (CM) increases risk for psychiatric disorders and maladaptive outcomes across the lifespan, including the transition into parenthood. Mothers with histories of CM are more likely to experience poorer mental health and engage in negative parenting practices. Maternal CM influences parenting behaviors, potentially leading to adolescent maladaptive outcomes. This study examines the effects of maternal CM on adolescent emotional and behavioral difficulties, focusing on how mothers' and adolescents' perceptions of parental psychological control (PPC) mediate these relationships.

Methods

We analyzed data from 148 mother-adolescent dyads recruited for a longitudinal investigation of early life stress and psychopathology. Mothers complet

SUBMITTER: Parks KC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12755837 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature