Young people who engage in child to parent violence: an integrative review of correlates and developmental pathways

Abstract

Objective Review and synthesise Australian and New Zealand research on correlates and predictors of child to parent violence. Method Ten electronic databases were searched for relevant empirical studies. An integrative review methodology was adopted, with the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool used to assess methodological quality. Results Twenty-one relevant studies met the inclusion criteria. Assessment of methodological quality revealed a moderate level of bias resulting from small sample sizes and a lack of representative sampling, missing outcome data, definitional variations, and inconsistencies in categorising variables across studies. The primary factors identified as correlates were prolonged or early childhood exposure to adult intimate partner violence and adversity, a childhood behavioural pattern of aggressive behaviour, mental health or emotional or behavioural disorders, other criminality and negative peer associations. Conclusion Extracting and understanding developmental pathways in the Australian and New Zealand context that contribute towards child to parent violence was limited by the amount and quality of research. Thus, highlighting the need for further research in this field. KEY POINTS What is already known about this topic: A small amount of research has been conducted in Australia and New Zealand relating to child to parent violence. The factors contributing to a young person engaging in child to parent violence are complex and interrelated. Exposure to adult intimate partner violence in childhood is a known correlate of child to parent violence. What this topic adds: This is the first integrative review of Australian and New Zealand evidence on child to parent violence. While childhood behavioural and emotional disorders were identified as correlates for young people engaging in violence towards parents, this research evidence is not strong. This review reveals a need to examine further the developmental pathways towards child to parent violence, identifying points of intervention best suited to service engagement.