The Relationship Between Parent Emotion, Parent Behavior, and Health Status of Young African American and Latino Children

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between parent emotion and behavior and the functional health status of young African American and Latino children. Parents were interviewed, in English or Spanish, about their child's functional health status, parents' depression, and their parenting behaviors. Standard measures used included the Functional Status IIR, the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, and the Parent Behavior Checklist. One hundred ninety-six children's parents attending a nurse-managed, primary care clinic in an underserved area of San Francisco participated. Multivariate analysis showed that higher functional status was related to more nurturing (p < .05). Lower functional status was related to more discipline (p < .01) and increased parental depression (p < .01). Nurses, across all settings, play an integral role in assessing and promoting healthy child development and family functioning. Implementing a rapid screening test for depression and further assessment of parenting behaviors could identify those needing more assistance in developing positive parenting skills.