Harsh Parenting Linked to Mental Health Problems in Children

by | Apr 2, 2023 | Development | 0 comments

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 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.
harsh parenting

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:

Harsh discipline increases risk of children developing lasting mental health problems

Harsh Discipline Increases Risk of Children Developing Lasting Mental Health Problems

Harsh’ Parenting Can Bring Mental Health Harms to Kids: Study

Harsh discipline may cause mental health problems in kids

Denny Strecker

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”

Denny Strecker

Child Leadership Coach

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