Predictors of risk for parental stress among parents of children with behavioral difficulties

Abstract

Prior findings suggest that parents of children with externalizing behaviors experience considerably higher parental stress. This study tested the hypothesis that higher levels of child hyperactivity significantly predict higher parental stress. Positive parenting practices and demographic variables were also tested in relation to parental stress. Data was collected from a community sample of 88 Greek speaking parents (Age; M=37,66 years, sd=5,43) of children ages 5-8 years old. The study used the Greek versions of the Parenting Stress Inventory-Short Form, the Eyberg Child Behavior Inventory, the Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Scale – IV , and the Alabama Parenting Questionnaire. As predicted, results showed that PSI-SF Parental Distress correlates significantly with child hyperactivity but not inattention. The child’s gender and parent’s employment status and family income were also significant correlates. However, Positive Parenting Practices did not correlate with parental stress. Significant correlates will be entered in regression analyses to develop prediction models for parental stress. In a health prevention model, identifying significant predictors of parental stress among parents of young children with behavior difficulties allows for early detection and targeted interventions.