Physical aggression toward parents from ages 11 to 24: prevalence trajectory and risk and protective factors

Abstract

Physical youth-to-parent aggression (PYPA) is among the most understudied forms of family aggression in the general population. This study examined the prevalence and developmental course of PYPA from adolescence into young adulthood and investigated childhood behavioral and interpersonal risk (e.g., ADHD symptoms, low self-control, harsh parenting) as well as protective factors (e.g., conflict coping, parental involvement). Data came from six assessments of the prospective-longitudinal Zurich Project on Social Development from Childhood to Adulthood (z-proso), including N = 1522 participants. Participants reported PYPA at ages 11, 13, 15, 17, 20, and 24. Risk and protective factors were measured at or before age 11. Generalized estimating equations were used to examine the developmental course of PYPA, and logistic regression analyses examined its risk and protective factors. One in three youth (32.5%) reported engaging in PYPA at least once. Prevalence followed a cubic trajectory: increasing from age 11 to 13, then declining at varying rates through age 24. ADHD symptoms (OR (95%CI) = 1.26 (1.10, 1.45)), harsh parenting (OR (95%CI) = 1.24 (1.08, 1.42)), and interparental disagreement (OR (95%CI) = 1.17 (1.01, 1.35)) were associated with higher odds of PYPA; whereas competent conflict coping (OR (95%CI) = 0.83 (0.72, 0.96)) and parental involvement (OR (95%CI) = 0.83 (0.72, 0.95)) were associated with lower odds after accounting for participants’ aggressive tendencies during childhood. Reducing children’s aggressive tendencies and exposure to aggression and conflict, while fostering competent coping skills and supportive family environments could decrease PYPA and the burden of family aggression.