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      Disrupting Intergenerational Continuity in Harsh and Abusive Parenting: The Importance of a Nurturing Relationship with a Romantic Partner

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          Abstract

          Purpose

          Harsh, abusive and rejecting behavior by parents toward their children is associated with increased risk for many developmental problems for youth. Earlier research also shows that children raised by harsh parents are more likely to treat their own children harshly. The present study sought to identify behaviors of romantic partners that might help break this intergenerational cycle of child mistreatment.

          Methods

          Data come from the Family Transitions Project, a 22-year, 3-generation study of a cohort of over 500 early adolescents (G2) grown to adulthood. During adolescence, observers rated G1 harsh parenting to G2. Several years later observers rated G2 harsh parenting toward their oldest child (G3). In addition, G2's romantic partner (spouse or cohabiting) was rated by observers on a range of behaviors expected to affect G2 harsh parenting.

          Results

          Romantic partner warmth and positive communication with G2 were associated with less G2 harsh parenting toward G3 (a direct effect) and when these partner behaviors were high, there was no evidence of intergenerational continuity from G1 to G2 harsh parenting. When the partner was low on warmth and communication, intergenerational continuity in harsh parenting significantly increased. G1 harsh parenting slightly decreased the likelihood that G2 would select a positive spouse.

          Conclusions

          Romantic partner warmth, support and positive communication appear to provide interpersonal nurturance that disrupts continuity in parental mistreatment of children. As appropriate, preventive interventions should include a focus on spousal or partner behaviors in their educational or treatment programs.

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          Author and article information

          Contributors
          Journal
          9102136
          1030
          J Adolesc Health
          J Adolesc Health
          The Journal of adolescent health : official publication of the Society for Adolescent Medicine
          1054-139X
          1879-1972
          30 September 2016
          October 2013
          07 October 2016
          : 53
          : 4 Suppl
          : S11-S17
          Affiliations
          Family Research Group, University of California - Davis
          Family Research Group, University of California - Davis
          Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Iowa State University
          Author notes
          Correspondence should be sent to Rand Conger, Family Research Group, University of California – Davis, 202 Cousteau Place, Suite 100, Davis, CA 95618. rdconger@ 123456ucdavis.edu .
          Article
          PMC5054751 PMC5054751 5054751 nihpa819675
          10.1016/j.jadohealth.2013.03.014
          5054751
          24059934
          88454307-d23a-43f3-b88e-1b85f2fb5103
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