Maltreatment and Emotional and Behavioral Problems in Chinese Children With and Without Oppositional Defiant Disorder: The Mediating Role of the Parent–Child Relationship. (November 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Li, Longfeng; Lin, Xiuyun; Chi, Peilian; Heath, Melissa Allen; Fang, Xiaoyi; Du, Hongfei; Wang, Zhonghui
• Is Part Of: Journal of interpersonal violence. Volume 31:Number 18(2016)
• Page Start: 2915
• Page End: 2939
• Publication Date: 2016-11
• Subjects: oppositional defiant disorder -- child maltreatment -- emotional problem -- behavioral problem -- parent–child relationship; Violence -- Periodicals; Sex crimes -- Periodicals; Violence -- Périodiques; Crimes sexuels -- Périodiques; 364.15
• DOI: 10.1177/0886260515624234
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0886-2605

Abstract

Maltreatment has negative effects on the parent–child relationship and the emotional and behavioral development of children. The current study aimed to examine the associations among maltreatment, parent–child relationship, and emotional and behavioral problems in Chinese children with or without oppositional defiant disorder (ODD). Participants in the study included 259 children with ODD and their 269 non-ODD counterparts from northern, eastern, and southwestern China. We also collected data from their teachers and fathers or mothers. The results showed that ODD children suffered more maltreatment and had more emotional and behavioral problems than their non-ODD peers. For all children (both ODD and non-ODD children), emotional abuse predicted emotional problems but not behavioral problems. Physical abuse predicted behavioral problems but not emotional problems. Parent–child relationship mediated the effects of emotional abuse and physical abuse on emotional problems among ODD children but not among non-ODD children. Implications for prevention of emotional and physical abuse and ODD in the Chinese cultural context are discussed.