Are behavioural and psychological control both differentially associated with childhood aggression and social withdrawal?

Abstract

Mothers of aggressive-externalizing (AGG), withdrawn-internalizing (WTH), and socially average children in kindergarten (n = 155), Grade 2 (n = 137), and Grade 4 (n = 167) were compared to determine whether they differed in their use of behavioral control and forms of psychological control involving threats to self-esteem. Using teacher and peer ratings of socioemotional adjustment, target groups were formed; there were 22 average, 13 WTH, and 10 AGG children. Mothers and children were observed interacting in a variety of situations. Compared to mothers of average children, mothers of WTH children were behaviorally and psychologically overcontrolling (made more imperative compliance commands and were less responsive to their children), while mothers of AGG children were behaviorally undercontrolling (made fewer requests and play directives). (APA PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)