Positive parenting practices among mothers with personal experiences of violence

Main Findings

• There were few differences in parenting behavior between mothers with experiences of violence and abuse, and mothers without such experiences (control group). The highest possible score on the positive parenting scale is 15. The sample reported an average score of 14.
• Both groups reported using positive parenting strategies, consistent discipline, and close and loving relationships with their children.
• Mothers with such experiences reported higher parent-child conflict than mothers without such experiences. This may indicate secure relationships, but also emotional and relational difficulties resulting from trauma experiences in both mother and child.

Summary

The study is based on self-reported data from 228 mothers with experiences of violence/abuse. Their children were aged 5 to 11 years. The mothers reported a high average score on positive parenting and closeness, and the study found no significant difference between the test and control groups. High scores indicate parenting practices characterized by positive involvement, and that mothers perceive the relationship with their children as characterized by warmth, love, and open communication.

The findings contrast with a number of studies from other countries, where participants reported less affectionate parenting styles, lower levels of care, more negative parenting behavior, and poorer parent-child relationships in families.

The differences may be due to variations in sample and context; such as the children’s age, whether studies include both mothers and fathers, the group’s access to welfare services, socioeconomic background, and cultural conditions. Since a secure and stable relationship can mitigate negative consequences of children’s experiences of violence and/or abuse, this is particularly promising. Read the study’s discussion section for further insights that may explain the mothers’ good parenting skills.

Read the full study here