The relationship between maternal adverse childhood experiences and child rearing skills

Abstract

Objectives : To study the relationship between maternal adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and child rearing skills, and to identify protective and risk factors of violence against children in mothers with ACEs.

Methods: : A cross sectional study was conducted in biological mothers aged 18 years and over. Participants completed four self- report questionnaires that included basic information, ACEs, child behavior management, and positive parenting questions.

Results: : Of 519 participants who completed the questionnaires, 150 had ACEs. Mothers with ACEs significantly had more marital and financial issues (p = .001). After adjustment for level of education, income, and income sufficiency, mothers with ACEs tended to have less marital satisfaction (AOR = 0.4), have more chance of couple’s argument (AOR = 2.04) and physical violence (AOR = 2.57), and have partners with alcohol abuse (AOR = 1.47) and substance abuse (AOR = 18.8). In addition, these mothers tended to have lower positive parenting skills (AOR = 0.55) and use violence in managing children’s behaviors (AOR = 3.74). In a subgroup analysis among mothers with ACEs, staying with a registered husband, living in a family that could be consulted with, and living in a reliable family could reduce the violence against offspring.

Conclusions : Mothers with ACEs tended to have more marital problems and less than adequate child rearing skills. Staying with a registered husband, living in a family that could be consulted with, and living in a reliable family could reduce violence against offspring among mothers with ACEs.

Methods

การศึกษาแบบ cross sectional study

Author

วชิราภรณ์ อรุโณทอง