The Role of Parental Attributions and Discipline in Predicting Child Problem Behavior in Preschoolers with and without A
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The Role of Parental Attributions and Discipline in Predicting Child Problem Behavior in Preschoolers with and without Autism Spectrum Disorder Sarah E. Berliner 1 & Lauren J. Moskowitz 2 William F. Chaplin 2
& Megan
Braconnier 2 &
# Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature 2019
Abstract Although previous research indicates that both parental attributions for child misbehavior and parenting discipline are associated with child problem behavior, there is a lack of research examining the relationship between these variables in parents of young children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This study investigated the relations between parental attributions, parenting discipline, and child problem behavior in parents of preschoolers with ASD (n = 67) as compared to parents of neurotypically developing preschoolers (n = 57). Group differences in levels of parental attributions of child internality, child stability, and child controllability, as well as lax and overreactive discipline and level of parent-reported child problem behavior, were analyzed. Additionally, child ASD status, parental attributions of controllability, lax discipline, and child problem behavior were examined within a serial multiple mediator model. Results indicated that, compared to parents of neurotypical preschoolers, parents of preschoolers with ASD were more likely to use lax discipline and attribute their child’s problem behavior to factors that were uncontrollable by the child and stable over time. There were no significant group differences in attributions of child internality or overreactive discipline. The relation between child ASD status and level of child problem behavior was mediated through attributions of low child controllability and lax discipline, although controllability was the primary pathway to child problem behavior. The findings contribute to the limited literature on parental attributions, parenting discipline, and child problem behavior, and can inform future intervention for child problem behavior, particularly in the area of parent training. Keywords Autism spectrum disorder . Parenting . Lax discipline . Parental attributions .
Externalizing behavior problems . Overreactive discipline . Harsh discipline
* Sarah E. Berliner [email protected] Extended author information available on the last page of the article
Journal of Developmental and Physical Disabilities
Introduction Problem Behavior in Individuals with ASD Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that is characterized by deficits in socialization, impairment in communication, and the presence of stereotypical or perseverative interests or behaviors (American Psychiatric Association [APA] 2013). Additionally, many children with ASD exhibit problem behaviors, including aggression, self-injury, tantrums, and property destruction, (Horner et al. 2002). In fact, children with ASD are more likely to present with problem behaviors than those without ASD (Hattier et al. 2011). Problem behaviors are exhibited by
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