Previous research has shown that traumatic experiences of parents in their youth can have various negative effects on externalizing problem behavior in children. In addition, other studies have...Show morePrevious research has shown that traumatic experiences of parents in their youth can have various negative effects on externalizing problem behavior in children. In addition, other studies have found that these traumatic experiences of parents can lead to poor parenting skills and subsequently to parenting stress, making the parent less emotionally available to the child. The aim of this study is to investigate the role of parents’ childhood trauma and parenting stress on externalizing problem behavior, consisting of delinquent behavior and reduced school performance, in children aged 8-18 years. Besides the direct relations between childhood trauma of parents on externalizing problem behavior in children, this study aims to investigate whether there is a mediating or moderating role of parenting stress in the relationship between childhood trauma of parents and externalizing problem behavior in children. The sample of this study consists of families (N = 481) who are supervised by Veilig Thuis because of child abuse or partner violence. Two types of multiple regression analyses were performed, namely mediation and moderation analyses. Direct connections have been found between parenting stress and externalizing problem behavior in children. The analyses found no mediating or moderating role of parenting stress and no direct connections between childhood trauma of parents and externalizing problem behavior in adolescents. Based on this study, it can be concluded that parenting stress is a predictor of externalizing problem behavior in children. Results of this study can contribute to the development or adaptation of interventions aimed at parenting stress in order to prevent or reduce delinquent behavior and reduced school performance in children.Show less