Parental history of positive development and child behavior in next generation offspring: A two‐cohort prospective intergenerational study. Issue 1 (11th August 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Letcher, Primrose; Greenwood, Christopher J.; McAnally, Helena; Belsky, Jay; Macdonald, Jacqui A.; Spry, Elizabeth A.; Thomson, Kimberly C.; O'Connor, Meredith; Sligo, Judith; Youssef, George; McIntosh, Jennifer E.; Iosua, Ella; Hutchinson, Delyse; Cleary, Joyce; Sanson, Ann V.; Patton, George C.; Hancox, Robert J.; Olsson, Craig A.
• Is Part Of: Child development. Volume 94:Issue 1(2023)
• Page Start: 60
• Page End: 73
• Publication Date: 2022-08-11
• Subjects: Child development -- Periodicals; Child psychology -- Periodicals; Child Development -- Periodicals; Child Development; Pediatrics -- Periodicals; Pedicatrics; 305.231
• DOI: 10.1111/cdev.13839
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0009-3920

Abstract

Abstract: This study examined whether positive development (PD) in adolescence and young adulthood predicts offspring behavior in two Australasian intergenerational cohorts. The Australian Temperament Project Generation 3 Study assessed PD at age 19–28 (years 2002–2010) and behavior in 1165 infants (12–18 months; 608 girls) of 694 Australian‐born parents (age 29–35; 2012–2019; 399 mothers). The Dunedin Multidisciplinary Health and Development Parenting Study assessed PD at age 15–18 (years 1987–1991) and behavior in 695 preschoolers (3–5 years; 349 girls) and their New Zealand born parents (age 21–46; 1994–2018; 363 mothers; 89% European ethnicity). In both cohorts, PD before parenthood predicted more positive offspring behavior ( β range = .11–.16) and fewer behavior problems ( β range = −.09 to −.11). Promoting strengths may secure a healthy start to life.