Anger and parent-to-child aggression in mood and anxiety disorders

The relationship between anger and parent-to-child aggression (PTCA) was ex amined in mothers presenting for treatment of mood and anxiety disorders, b ecause parental anger may have adverse effects on children and anger may de crease with treatment. Anger's role as mediator and moderator of the effect s of the following predictors on PTCA was assessed: depression, anxiety, an d ecologic variables that can induce or buffer against stress (partner verb al aggression, satisfaction with and perceived availability of social suppo rt, socioeconomic status, and number of children). Anger was found to media te the effects of depression, partner verbal aggression, satisfaction with social support, and number of children on PTCA. Anger also had significant effects on PTCA after controlling for these variables. The other predictors did not have effects on PTCA, and anger did not moderate their effects. If replicated, these findings suggest the importance of examining whether tre atment to reduce parental anger will reduce PTCA. Copyright (C) 2000 by W.B . Saunders Company.