The Impact of Parent–Child Attachment on Aggression, Social Stress and Self-Esteem

Abstract

This study examined the impact of the quality of parent–child attachment on aggression, social stress, and self-esteem in a clinical sample of 91 boys with disruptive behaviour disorders ranging from 8 to 12 years of age. These boys were included in the study if they were found to exhibit various aggressive and antisocial behaviours such as getting into fights, telling lies and teasing others. Consistent with our hypothesis, multiple regression analyses found that the quality of parent–child attachment significantly predicted parent-rated aggression, social stress and self-esteem. Higher quality of parent–child attachment was associated with lower levels of parent-rated aggression, lower levels of social stress and higher levels of self esteem. Correlational analyses concurred with main findings. The results emphasized the importance of parent–child attachment on boys' behavioural and emotional outcomes. Implications for counsellors and mental health practitioners are also discussed.