Understanding the Factors Associated with Overprotective Parenting Behaviors in Latino Parents

Abstract

ObjectiveThe current investigation examined whether parental psychopathology and psychosocial stress are related to overprotective parenting behaviors in a sample of Latino parents.BackgroundScant literature exists on the relationship among psychosocial stress, parental psychopathology, and parental behaviors in Latino populations. Further, the literature has focused on parental behaviors as predictors and not as outcomes.MethodSixty‐four Latino parents participated in this study. Parents completed measures of psychosocial stress, psychopathology, and overprotective parenting behaviors. Regression analyses examined predictors of overprotective parenting behaviors consisting of control, supervision, and separation problems.ResultsFindings showed that psychosocial stress predicted overprotective parenting behaviors. However, parental psychopathology had no effect on parental behaviors. Further analysis of psychosocial stress subscales indicated that immigration stress was associated with parental control and parental separation problems. With regard to subscales of parental psychopathology, parental hostility and parental depression were related to parental control.ConclusionLatino parents' use of controlling parenting behaviors seem to be associated with the level of stress they experience—in particular, immigration‐related stress.ImplicationsThese findings suggest the need for interventions that not only focus on teaching appropriate parenting techniques but that also address psychosocial stressors experienced by Latino parents to diminish the effect that immigration related stress has on their parenting practices.