Discrepancy between Parents and Children in Reporting of Distress and Impairment: Association with Critical Symptoms

Authors

Laura Bein, Marquette University
Megan Lynn Petrik, Marquette UniversityFollow
Stephen M. Saunders, Marquette UniversityFollow
James V. Wojcik, Human Services, Inc.Follow

Document Type

Article

Language

eng

Format of Original

10 p.

Publication Date

2015

Publisher

SAGE Publications

Source Publication

Clinical Child Psychology and Psychiatry

Source ISSN

1461-7021

Original Item ID

doi: 10.1177/1359104514532185

Abstract

Background: We examined discrepant parent–child reports of subjective distress and psychosocial impairment.

Method: Parent–child pairs (N = 112 pairs) completed the Health Dynamics Inventory at intake for outpatient therapy.

Results: Average parent scores were significantly higher than average child scores on distress, impairment, and externalizing symptoms, but not internalizing symptoms. There were significant associations between parent–child discrepancy (i.e. children who reported greater distress or impairment than parents or vice versa) and child endorsement of several notable symptoms (rapid mood swings, panic, nightmares, and suicidal ideation).

Conclusion: Parents tended to report more externalizing symptoms, distress, and impairment than children reported; however, when children report more distress and impairment than parents, this may indicate serious psychological problems.

Comments

Accepted version. Clinical Child Psychology and Psychiatry, Vol. 20, No. 3 (2015): 515-524. DOI. © 2014 The Authors. Used with permission.

Recommended Citation

Bein, Laura; Petrik, Megan Lynn; Saunders, Stephen M.; and Wojcik, James V., "Discrepancy between Parents and Children in Reporting of Distress and Impairment: Association with Critical Symptoms" (2015). Psychology Faculty Research and Publications. 172.
https://epublications.marquette.edu/psych_fac/172