Harsh parenting can harm children’s mental health, a new study warns. Researchers found that kids who experienced harsh parenting were more likely to develop depression, anxiety, and behavioral problems. The study also suggests that it can affect children’s brain development.
Here are the main points in detailed bullet form:
- The study was conducted by researchers from the University of Michigan and published in the journal Child Development.
- The researchers analyzed data from 1,025 children and their parents who participated in the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study, a longitudinal study that followed families from 20 U.S. cities for 15 years.
- The researchers measured harsh parenting by asking parents how often they yelled, hit, or threatened their children. They also measured children’s mental health by asking them about their symptoms of depression, anxiety, and conduct problems.
- The researchers found that harsh parenting was associated with an increased risk of mental health problems for children across different ages, genders, and ethnicities. They also found that it was linked to changes in brain structure and function, such as reduced gray matter volume and altered connectivity in regions involved in emotion regulation.
- The researchers suggest that harsh parenting may impair children’s ability to cope with stress and regulate their emotions, leading to mental health difficulties. They also recommend that parents use more positive and supportive parenting strategies, such as praise, encouragement, and problem-solving.
Biggest Takeaway
The biggest takeaway from this article is that harsh parenting can have lasting and detrimental effects on children’s mental health and brain development. Parents should be aware of the potential consequences of their actions and seek to foster a positive and nurturing relationship with their children. By doing so, they can help their children grow up to be healthy and happy adults.
Related Stories For Further Reading
If you want to learn more about this topic and mental health, here are some related stories you can check out:
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Denny Strecker owns and operates Prestige Martial Arts, where he has taught children how to develop their Confidence, Discipline, and Leadership Skills since 1997.
Denny is also the author of the Amazon Best-Selling Book
“How to Double Your Child’s Confidence in Just 30 Days”
