Brennan, Daniel; (2024) Is there a bidirectional relationship between parenting practices and callous-unemotional traits in childhood? Doctoral thesis (D.Clin.Psy), UCL (University College London).

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Abstract

Background: In recent years a large body of research has examined the relationship between parenting practices and Callous-Unemotional (CU) traits in children and adolescents. However, findings have been inconsistent and differences in methodology and conceptualisation persist. This study aims to review and analyse the existing evidence and provide a clearer picture of which specific parenting practices may be most useful for intervention to reduce the development of CU traits.// Method: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted of studies published up until January 2024 and accessed via the PsycINFO, MEDLINE and Web of Sciences databases. Studies of parents and children under the age of 18 years with longitudinal designs were included, whilst intervention studies and those involving samples of young people placed outside of their homes were excluded. Bias was examined using the JBI Checklist for Cohort Studies. Random-Effects Models were produced to examine the relationships between CU traits and various specific parenting practices: Positive Parenting; Warmth; Sensitivity; Negative Parenting; Harshness; Rejection; Corporal Punishment; Poor Monitoring and Inconsistent Discipline.// Results: 28 longitudinal studies reporting on 22,000 young people aged six months to 18 years were included in the final meta-analysis. Correlations were found between greater early Positive Parenting (r =-0.16, p=.013), Warmth (r=-0.11, p=0.01) and Sensitivity (r = -0.21, p<0.01) and reduced CU traits later in childhood. Increased Corporal Punishment (r = 0.21, p<0.001), Poor Monitoring (r = 0.17, p<0.001) and Inconsistent Discipline (r = 0.27, p=0.01) were associated with greater CU traits later in childhood. There was some evidence that earlier CU traits may also be associated with a reduction in later Warmth (r = -0.18, p<0.001) and with later increased Poor Monitoring (r = 0.11, p=0.04) and Inconsistent Discipline (r = 0.35, p=0.01).// Conclusions: The existing evidence is limited by heterogeneity in measurement and conceptualisation of important parenting constructs. However, research supports the idea that early parenting practices are associated with later CU traits and that interventions may be best targeted at increasing positive parenting, warmth and sensitivity in parenting, while reducing the use of corporal punishment, improving monitoring behaviours and supporting more consistent discipline. The evidence also suggests that some of these parenting practices may be reciprocally affected by the CU traits expressed in children.

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