Looking out for your children
PARENTS addicted to alcohol may increase the risk for dating violence among teenagers, according to a study. “Although teen dating violence is typically viewed as a problem related specifically to adolescent development, our findings indicate the risk for aggressive behaviour and involvement in dating violence relate to stressors experienced earlier in life,” said lead author Jennifer A Livingston, senior research scientist at the University at Buffalo.
For the study, published in the Journal of Youth and Adolescence, researchers evaluated 144 teenagers, with fathers with an alcohol disorder, who were initially recruited for study at one year of age.
By analysing data collected over the course of their lifespan, researchers were able to identify factors leading some teenagers to be involved in abusive dating relationships.
“It appears family dynamics occurring in the preschool years and middle childhood are critical in development of aggression and dating violence in teenage years,” said Livingston.
Mothers living with partners, who have alcohol use disorder tended to be more depressed and were less warm and sensitive towards their children.
“This is significant because children with warm and sensitive mothers are better able to regulate their emotions and behaviour,” Livingston added.
“The risk for violence lessens when parents are warm and sensitive in interactions with their children during toddler years.” – IANS