The relation of prematurity, maternal pathology, and parenting to child behavioral outcomes within a structural model

The present study examined the direct and/or indirect relations of parents' perceptions of their own upbringing, maternal mental health, parenting behaviors, and child behavioral outcomes. Specifically, the study addressed whether the relation of prematurity to later behavioral outcomes occurs directly, bypassing environmental influences, or whether it is important to account for environmental factors in relation to prematurity.;Groups of full-term (n = 112) and preterm children (n = 180) were included in order to evaluate the effects of prematurity on maternal mental health and subsequent child behavioral outcomes. The groups were recruited as part of a larger longitudinal study. Maternal memories of the parenting she received as a child were assessed using the Parental Acceptance and Rejection Questionnaire (Rohner, 1984). Maternal mental health was assessed using the Symptom Checklist-90 (Derogatis, L. R., 1992). Parenting behaviors were also evaluated using observational measures that included parental warmth and restrictiveness. Child outcome variables included the level of child social initiations as well as child behavior, which was assessed using the Child Behavior Checklist (Achenbach, T. & Edelbrock, C. 1983).;Based upon the literature, a hypothesized model was constructed and tested using structural equation modeling. The hypothesized model did not accurately predict the relations among constructs. A model building approach was then adopted to account for the data. Several indices to test how well the model fits the data, including the Chi Square (chi2) Goodness of Fit test, the Root Mean Square Error of Approximation (RMSEA), and the Goodness of Fit Index (GFI) were included. Specific research questions were also answered based upon the data gained from the constructed model.;Results indicated that preterm children had more social and attentional problems as measured by the Child Behavior Checklist. Negative maternal memories of childhood were associated with more maternal mental health symptoms. The constructed model was able to predict child social outcomes when maternal recollections of her childhood, maternal mental health, and parenting behaviors were evaluated. Findings demonstrate the need to develop models of maternal and child behavior that take into account multiple contexts.