Exploring the Contribution of Parental Perceptions to Childhood Anxiety

Authors

  • Barbara Hoff Esbjørn Psychological Institute Copenhagen University
  • Ida D Caspersen
  • Mikael J Sømhovd
  • Sonja Breinholst
  • Marie Louise Reinholdt-Dunne

Keywords:

Child anxiety disorder, parental cognitions, rearing practice, sense of competence

Abstract

Parental rearing practices such as over-involvement are associated with childhood anxiety; however, little is known about the contribution of parental perceptions to child anxiety. This study explores the relationship between maternal and paternal perceptions of parenting and childhood anxiety. The perceived rearing behaviors and parental sense of competence (i.e., satisfaction and efficacy) of the parents of anxious children (n = 59) were compared with those of a non-clinical control sample (n = 44). In line with the findings from the literature that addresses externalizing disorders, parental sense of competence was significantly associated with childhood outcomes. Logistical regression suggested that paternal efficacy beliefs, acceptance, and maternal satisfaction were associated with an absence of clinical anxiety and lower levels of anxiety symptoms in children. Parental perceptions may thus provide an important area for understanding childhood anxiety.

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Published

2014-09-15

How to Cite

Esbjørn, B. H., Caspersen, I. D., Sømhovd, M. J., Breinholst, S., & Reinholdt-Dunne, M. L. (2014). Exploring the Contribution of Parental Perceptions to Childhood Anxiety. Scandinavian Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychology, 2(3), 115–123. Retrieved from https://tidsskrift.dk/sjcapp/article/view/16789

Issue

Vol. 2 No. 3 (2014)

Section

Articles

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