ERIC Number: EJ750224
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2006-Nov
Pages: 10
Abstractor: Author
Reference Count: 0
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0012-1649
Differential Parent-Child Relationships and Adolescent Externalizing Symptoms: Cross-Lagged Analyses within a Monozygotic Twin Differences Design
Burt, S. Alexandra; McGue, Matt; Iacono, William G.; Krueger, Robert F.
Developmental Psychology, v42 n6 p1289-1298 Nov 2006
Research has indicated that differential parental treatment is linked to differences in externalizing symptomology (EXT) across siblings, even those siblings who are genetically identical. However, the direction of causation and longitudinal significance of this relationship remains unclear. Thus, in the present study, the authors examined 486 monozygotic twin pairs, assessed at ages 11, 14, and 17 years, within a cross-lagged twin differences design. Results revealed that differential parent-child conflict at age 11 years uniquely contributed to differential sibling EXT 3 years later but only in the most discordant twin pairs. In the full, unselected sample, this relationship was not significant. These results suggest that markedly different parent-child conflict has an environmentally mediated impact on child behavior through mid-adolescence, findings that yield insights into environmental influences on behavior.
Descriptors: Environmental Influences, Child Behavior, Conflict, Twins, Parent Child Relationship, Adolescents, Symptoms (Individual Disorders), Parenting Styles, Siblings, Longitudinal Studies, Preadolescents
American Psychological Association. Journals Department, 750 First Street NE, Washington, DC 20002-4242. Tel: 800-374-2721; Tel: 202-336-5510; Fax: 202-336-5502; e-mail: order@apa.org; Web site: http://www.apa.org/publications
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers: N/A

Peer reviewed
Direct link
