Prediction of externalizing behavior problems from early to middle childhood: The role of parental socialization and emotion expression

Parental emotions and behaviors that contribute to continuity and change in preschool children's externalizing problems were examined. Mothers and fat hers were observed interacting with their children, and child-rearing style s were reported. Teachers, mothers, and children reported children's antiso cial, oppositional behavior. Externalizing problems showed strong continuit y 2 and 4 years later. Proactive parenting (i.e., supportive presence, clea r instruction, and limit setting) predicted fewer behavior problems over ti me, after controlling for initial problems; the converse was true for paren tal anger. In contrast, the hypothesized ameliorative contribution of paren ts' positive emotion was not found. Parental contributions were most influe ntial for children whose initial problems were in the clinical range. In pa rticular, parental anger predicted continuation of problems over time. Pate rnal, as well as maternal, influences were identified. Examination of paren tal emotions and inclusion of fathers is important to research and interven tion with young antisocial children.