Intergenerational transmission of parenting and its relation to children's internalizing and externalizing problems in Chinese families

IntroductionAlthough the intergenerational transmission of parenting has been widely documented, its relation to third-generation (G3) behavioral problems remains insufficiently explored. Drawing on family systems theory, this study examined how intergenerational relationships mediated the intergenerational transmission of parenting and how this process related to children's behavioral problems.MethodsWe surveyed 2,120 families, including children and their parents, using the Parental Authority Questionnaire, Intergenerational Relationship Scale, and Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. Results: (1) G1 authoritative parenting was indirectly associated with G2 authoritative parenting through intergenerational affection, and was further related to G3 internalizing and externalizing problems via the sequential mediation of intergenerational affection and G2 authoritative parenting. (2) G1 authoritarian parenting was indirectly associated with G2 authoritarian parenting through intergenerational conflict, and was further related to G3 internalizing and externalizing problems through the sequential mediation of intergenerational conflict and G2 authoritarian parenting.DiscussionBy delineating a three-generation transmission mechanism, this study advances understanding of the intergenerational processes through which parenting is associated with child behavioral outcomes. The findings suggest that reinforcing the intergenerational transmission of authoritative parenting and interrupting that of authoritarian parenting may be an effective strategy to reduce behavioral problems in third-generation children.