Observing Parent Behavior [microform] : Reconciling Theoretical Concepts with Empirical Reality / Xiaojia Ge

Using data from the Iowa Youth and Families Project, this longitudinal study investigated the predictive validity of different dimensions of observed parent behavior on adolescent externalizing (aggression, hostility) and internalizing (depression, anxiety) problems over a 2-year period. In addition, the study examined how observer ratings functioned differently from child and parent self-reports. Families with a seventh grader and a sibling within 4 years of age of the seventh grader were recruited. Interviewers visited each family at home for approximately 2 hours on each of 2 occasions in 1989, 1990, and 1991. During the first visit, each of the four family members completed questionnaires. During the second visit, occurring within 2 weeks of the first, family members were videotaped as they engaged in several different structured interaction tasks. Family members' recorded behaviors were subsequently coded. Analysis revealed that observed parent behavior predicted adolescent developmental outcomes, particularly externalizing symptoms. Two general domains of parenting, affect and discipline, were correlated. Results also demonstrated the predictive validity of separate dimensions of observed parent behavior, particularly hostile-harsh and firm-involved parenting practices. An appendix provides definitions of 16 codes used to assess parent behavior. Three tables of data and eight figures are included. (MM)