Fathering and mothering of preschool boys with hyperactivity

Abstract

This study examined links between paternal and maternal parenting factors and preschool hyperactivity in a community sample. Forty-one hyperactive and 38 comparison boys (aged 47—62 months) and their fathers and mothers were assessed on a range of interview, parent questionnaire, and observational measures of parenting and child behavior. Results showed that less observed maternal warmth, fathers’ self-reported overreactive and less authoritative parenting practices, and less satisfaction with parenting (fathers and mothers) were all significantly related to child hyperactivity, following statistical adjustment for the effects of child conduct problems and maternal age. Lower rates of observed paternal and maternal sensitivity were not significantly associated with preschool hyperactivity, after controlling for child conduct problems and maternal age. Findings highlight the importance of considering the role of both fathers’ and mothers’ parenting in the development of boys with early onset hyperactive and attentional behavior difficulties.