Among 11-28% of children (0-6 years) in the Netherlands experience psychosocial problems, such as aggressive behavior and anxiety symptoms. These behavioral problems in childhood are a predictor...Show moreAmong 11-28% of children (0-6 years) in the Netherlands experience psychosocial problems, such as aggressive behavior and anxiety symptoms. These behavioral problems in childhood are a predictor for several problems in later adolescence and adulthood. Studies that examine the underlying mechanisms that play a role in the development of problem behavior can contribute to the development of adequate and effective (preventive) interventions, so that early intervention can be applied. The current study examined the role of physical discipline, ethnicity and attachment in the development of problem behavior in children aged 0-7 years in family residential clinics. The sample consisted of 50 parent-child dyads (Mage children = 3,28 years) recruited in four Dutch family residential clinics. The families had been referred to these clinics for an evaluation of their parenting capacities in the context of a decision regarding out-of-home placement or reunification with their child(ren). The pre-test consisted of a two-hour appointment in a lab setting at the clinic. During this appointment a number of questionnaires and tasks were administered to parent and child. In addition, the family’s therapist filled out a short questionnaire about the family. Physical discipline was observed during a “don’t touch” and “clean up” task and then scored on a 5-point Likert-scale. The preschool Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) was used to assess child’s behavioral problems. Child’s attachment was measured using the Infant Coding System (ICS) and the MacArthur Preschool Attachment Classification System (PACS). The results showed that physical discipline is not related to child’s problem behavior and that ethnicity does not moderate this association. In addition, the results showed that child’s attachment does not play a mediating role in the association between physical discipline and child’s problem behavior. Future research will benefit from the use of multi-informant measures and should include more ethnicities.Show less
