Publication Date
2024
Document Type
Dissertation/Thesis
First Advisor
Pittman, Laura D.
Degree Name
M.A. (Master of Arts)
Legacy Department
Department of Psychology
Abstract
The present study aimed to add to the literature by analyzing the relationships present within the connection between maternal cumulative trauma and child externalizing behaviors. Specifically, this study examined the indirect effects that posttraumatic stress symptoms and parenting behaviors exert on the relationship between maternal cumulative trauma and externalizing behaviors. This study used structural equation modeling to assess the relationship between maternal cumulative trauma and child externalizing behaviors (i.e., conduct and behaviors, hyperactivity/impulsivity, opposition/defiance) through maternal PTSS and parenting behaviors (i.e., acceptance, lax discipline, overreactive discipline). Data was collected from 308 mothers (Mage = 20.59, 70.0% White/Caucasian) between April 2020 and May 2020. The indirect pathway from maternal cumulative trauma and child externalizing behaviors through maternal PTSS and parenting behaviors was not significant (β = .003, p = .58). However, post-hoc analyses revealed that when the T1 child externalizing behaviors covariate was removed, this indirect pathway was marginally significant (β = .02, p = .099). Structural equation modeling also revealed a marginally significant total effect of cumulative trauma on child externalizing behaviors (the combination of the direct and indirect effects; β = .08, p = .097). Additionally, COVID-19 pandemic related family interruption stress was considered as a moderator of the association between mothers’ PTSS and their parenting behaviors. It was found that the association between maternal cumulative trauma and maternal PTSS differed significantly based on whether COVID-19 family interruption stress was high or low. Limitations and future directions are discussed.
Recommended Citation
Dubuclet, Chynna Michelle, "Maternal Cumulative Trauma and Child Externalizing Behavior: Indirect Pathways Through Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms and Parenting Behaviors" (2024). Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations. 7885.
https://huskiecommons.lib.niu.edu/allgraduate-thesesdissertations/7885
Extent
121 pages
Language
en
Publisher
Northern Illinois University
Rights Statement
In Copyright
Rights Statement 2
NIU theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from Huskie Commons for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without the written permission of the authors.
Media Type
Text
