Relationship between child-to-parent violence and parenting skills in a sample of Ecuadorian families

Abstract

Child-to-Parent Violence (CPV) is a recurring, deliberate violent behavior seen in various cultures and family settings. This complex issue relates to personal and family factors. Given the lack of research in Ecuador, this study examined CPV in Ecuadorian families and its connection to parental skills. The study involved 270 parents (91.5% mothers) from at-risk areas on the Ecuadorian Coast. They completed the Child-to-Parent Aggression Questionnaire, Parental Alliance Inventory, Parenting Scale, and Parental Locus of Control. Results revealed a significant presence of CPV, with 47.41% of families exhibiting severe levels and high comorbidity among CPV types. Regression analysis highlighted the predictive role of permissive and hostile practices in psychological CPV and hostile practices in physical CPV. Locus of control also influenced CPV, while parental alliance showed no significant correlation. Given the severity of CPV, Ecuador needs a legislative framework promoting preventive and specialized services to address this issue. Efforts to curb CPV growth should focus on enhancing parenting skills to facilitate positive parenting in times of family conflict

Es la versión aceptada por la editorial. Se puede consultar la versión final en https://doi.org/10.1891/VV-2024-0001