Exploration of the relationship between maternal childhood emotional abuse/neglect and parenting outcomes: a systematic review and empirical analysis
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Date
28/11/2014Author
Hughes, Mary
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Abstract
This study investigated the relationship between maternal childhood experience of
emotional abuse (CEA) and/or emotional neglect (CEN) and subsequent second-generation
parenting outcomes. A systematic review of the literature was carried out,
with twelve studies included for review. Evidence was found of a relationship
between maternal experience of CEA/CEN and a negative impact on the subsequent
parent-child relationship and parenting behaviours; including greater dysfunctional
parent-child interactions, lower empathy, greater psychological control, greater child
maltreatment potential and punitiveness. Evidence in relation to the impact on
parenting competence was less robust. For practitioners, these findings highlight the
importance of considering maternal childhood experiences when working with
parents and when attempting to make sense of children's difficulties. Methodological
weaknesses were highlighted and recommendations for future research made.
Secondly, a cross-sectional study was carried out which explored whether early
maladaptive schemas (EMSs) mediated the relationship between maternal CEA/CEN
and attributions of perceived control over failure (PCF) in child care-giving
interactions. Mothers (N=111) completed five self-report questionnaires in relation to
the above. Multiple mediation analyses using bias corrected bootstrapping were
carried out. In line with expectations, significant relationships were found between
both CEA and CEN and EMSs. CEN also demonstrated both a direct and indirect
effect on PCF score, via the EMSs Social Isolation/Alienation. However, the indirect
effect was in the opposite direction to that predicted. No other indirect effects were
found. CEA demonstrated neither a direct effect on PCF, nor an indirect effect via
any of the EMSs. Results are discussed in the context of current research.
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