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01-07-2020 | Original Article

Household Chaos Moderates Indirect Pathways Involving Domestic Violence, Parenting Practices, and Behavior Problems among Preschool Children

Authors: Jesse L. Coe, Stephanie H. Parade, Ronald Seifer, Laura Frank, Audrey R. Tyrka

Published in: Journal of Family Violence | Issue 5/2020

Abstract

This study examined the moderating role of household chaos in indirect pathways involving domestic violence (DV), parenting practices (punitive discipline and responsive), and preschool children’s internalizing and externalizing symptoms. We hypothesized that high levels of household chaos would amplify links between domestic violence and parenting difficulties, and that parenting difficulties would in turn predict child behavior problems. Participants in this multimethod (survey, semi-structured interview, child protection records) study included 274 preschool children (M_age = 50.86 months) and their primary caregivers who were assessed in the home at two time-points spaced 6 months apart. Child welfare documentation of moderate-severe maltreatment within the last 6 months was present for 52% of children, 44% were in households characterized by DV, and most families qualified for public assistance. Hypotheses were tested using path analysis with manifest variables within a structural equation modeling framework. All models provided excellent fit to the data. DV was associated with punitive discipline practices only when household chaos was high. Punitive discipline practices in turn predicted greater child externalizing symptoms 6 months later. Follow-up analyses revealed that the moderating role of chaos was specific to DV, rather than general to other forms of adversity (child maltreatment, lifetime contextual stressors, traumatic events). This interaction between DV and chaos was salient even when controlling for exposure to other adversities and demographic covariates. Results point to multiple potential targets of intervention that may ultimately buffer children from the risk posed by experiencing DV in the home.

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Title: Household Chaos Moderates Indirect Pathways Involving Domestic Violence, Parenting Practices, and Behavior Problems among Preschool Children
Authors: Jesse L. Coe
Stephanie H. Parade
Ronald Seifer
Laura Frank
Audrey R. Tyrka
Publication date: 01-07-2020
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Journal of Family Violence / Issue 5/2020
Print ISSN: 0885-7482
Electronic ISSN: 1573-2851
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10896-019-00093-9

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Household Chaos Moderates Indirect Pathways Involving Domestic Violence, Parenting Practices, and Behavior Problems among Preschool Children

Abstract

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

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