Parenting behaviors associated with youth AD diagnosis vs. youth ADHD diagnosis

Abstract

Abstract Background and objectives Extensive research investigated maternal parenting behaviors of children with anxiety disorders (ADs). No research has compared parenting behaviors of children with anxiety disorders (ADs) and ADHD, which is important to understand the common or specific role of parenting in both disorders, and also to inform interventions including parents. Methods We compared the presence of paternal and maternal behaviors of autonomy granting, control, and rejection in youths with AD (n\u2009=\u200916; Mage\u2009=\u200911.63, SD\u2009=\u20092.96) to the presence of these behaviors in youth with ADHD (n\u2009=\u200914; Mage\u2009=\u200910.64, SD\u2009=\u20092.65) and in community sample (CS) youths (n\u2009=\u200924; Mage\u2009=\u200911.4, SD\u2009=\u20092.64) using aggregated child, parent-about-self, and parent-about-partner report. Parental anxiety was also assessed. Results Fathers of youths with ADs were less controlling than fathers of youths with ADHD and CS fathers. Fathers of youths with ADHD were more rejecting of their children than fathers of children with ADs and CS fathers. With respect to maternal behaviors, no differences between the three groups occurred. No group differences were found in parental anxiety. Conclusion Results provide little evidence for the assumed controlling and lack of autonomy encouragement style of parents of children with ADs. This study points to the importance of involving fathers in the treatment of youth ADHD. Irrespective of whether paternal dysfunctional behaviors are involved in the development of ADHD or are a consequence of ADHD, it is likely that such behaviors negatively contribute to the therapy course and pace and should be targeted during treatment.