THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE PARENT’S PHYSICAL PUNISHMENT AND AGGRESSIVE BEHAVIOR IN ADOLESCENTS: THE MEDIATING ROLE OF INSECURE ATTACHMENT

DOI: 10.18173/2354-1075.2024-0032

Abstract

This study examines the relationshipbetween prior parental physical punishment andfuture aggressive behavior in children, as well asthe mediating role of anxious and avoidantattachment in the relationships. Using an 8-monthlongitudinal study design, data were collected at 3waves, with a 4-month interval across waves. 762students participated at Wave 1 (Mage = 12.1 (SD =1.14), 48% female). The number decreased to 484at Wave 2 and 368 at Wave 3. The HarshPunishment was used to measure physicalpunishment at Wave 1, the Experiences of CloseRelationship (short version) was used to measureavoidant and anxious attachment at Wave 2, andthe Aggression Scale was used to measureaggressive behavior at Wave 3. Results showedthat parents' physical punishment behaviorsignificantly predicted the development of futureaggressive behavior, and that anxious attachmentplayed a mediation role in the relationship. Thesefindings suggest the urgent need for developingmeasures to treat physical punishment and parentchild attachment as a solution to effectively addressthe prevalence of school violence in Vietnam