Associations Between Parenting and Child Behavior Problems Among Latino Mothers and Children

Abstract

The present study examines the ability of global parenting styles and specific parenting practices to predict attention and behavior problems in Latino children. Sociodemographic variables and acculturation were considered in all analyses to examine, and account for, their influences. 107 Latino mothers with a child between 6 and 12 years old completed demographic, parenting, and child behavior measures. Hierarchical linear regression analyses were conducted in order to predict child behavior from sociodemographic variables, acculturation, and parenting. All three parenting styles, and most practices, predicted reported behavior problems. Level of acculturation also consistently predicted child behavior problems. The present study adds to the growing body of literature demonstrating some differences in the associations between these styles and child behavior problems compared to what has been found in the general literature. In addition, it highlights the importance of considering level of acculturation when examining these associations within this population.