Positive parenting improves multiple aspects of health and well-being in young adulthood

Ying Chen (), Jess Haines, Brittany M. Charlton and Tyler J. VanderWeele
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Ying Chen: Harvard University
Jess Haines: University of Guelph
Brittany M. Charlton: Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
Tyler J. VanderWeele: Harvard University

Nature Human Behaviour, 2019, vol. 3, issue 7, 684-691

Abstract: Abstract Aspects of positive parenting have previously been linked to better offspring health and well-being1,2, though often, individual outcomes have been examined separately. Examining multiple outcomes simultaneously, over multiple aspects of parenting, may provide a more holistic picture of the parenting–health dynamics3,4. Methodological limitations such as reverse causation—good childhood outcomes that make parenting easier—also remain a concern in many previous observational studies5. Here we examined the associations between multiple aspects of parenting (including parent–child relationship satisfaction concerning love, parental authoritativeness and family dinner frequency) and various subsequent offspring psychosocial, mental, behavioural and physical health and well-being outcomes. We analysed longitudinal data from the Growing Up Today Study 1 (N = 8,476, mean baseline age = 12.78 years) and Growing Up Today Study 2 (N = 5,453, mean baseline age = 17.75 years). Both parenting and health outcomes were based on offspring self-reports. The results suggest that greater relationship satisfaction was associated with greater emotional well-being, lower risk of mental illness, eating disorders, overweight or obesity and marijuana use. To a lesser extent, greater parental authoritativeness and regular family dinner were also associated with greater offspring emotional well-being, fewer depressive symptoms, lower risk of overeating and certain sexual behaviours. This study strengthens the evidence for a public health focus on improving parenting to promote population health and well-being.

Date: 2019
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DOI: 10.1038/s41562-019-0602-x

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