Leiden University Scholarly Publications

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Adrichem, D.S. van (2022)

Aggression in infancy and toddlerhood: the roles of prenatal risk, parenting behavior and cognition

Doctoral Thesis
Because aggressive behavior during early childhood has been related to negative developmental outcomes, a further understanding of the underlying mechanisms of aggression during the first years of life is essential. Although the factors prenatal risk, parenting behavior, temperament and cognitive functions have consistently been related to externalizing behavior during preschool and school age, research focusing on their interplay in relation to aggressive behavior earlier in life is scarce. The aim of the current dissertation was to gain more insight into these associations during infancy and toddlerhood. Our studies indicated that impairments in children’s early cognitive regulation abilities play a role in the development of aggressive behavior. It can also be concluded that both adverse pre- and postnatal environmental influences have an impact on child aggression: higher prenatal risk and adverse parenting behavior were directly or indirectly (via poor cognitive functioning)...Show moreBecause aggressive behavior during early childhood has been related to negative developmental outcomes, a further understanding of the underlying mechanisms of aggression during the first years of life is essential. Although the factors prenatal risk, parenting behavior, temperament and cognitive functions have consistently been related to externalizing behavior during preschool and school age, research focusing on their interplay in relation to aggressive behavior earlier in life is scarce. The aim of the current dissertation was to gain more insight into these associations during infancy and toddlerhood. Our studies indicated that impairments in children’s early cognitive regulation abilities play a role in the development of aggressive behavior. It can also be concluded that both adverse pre- and postnatal environmental influences have an impact on child aggression: higher prenatal risk and adverse parenting behavior were directly or indirectly (via poor cognitive functioning) related to higher levels of aggression. In addition, it was found that poor cognitive skills increased the risk of aggression in case of high prenatal risk or a highly reactive temperament during early development. These results suggest that early intervention programs to prevent aggression should focus on prenatal risk, parenting behavior and cognitive development during the first years of life.
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Aggressive behavior
Externalizing behavior
Infancy
Toddlerhood
Cognition
Parenting behavior
Prenatal risk
Temperament
All authors
Adrichem, D.S. van
Supervisor
Swaab, J.T.; Goozen, S.H.M. van
Co-supervisor
Huijbregts, S.C.J.
Committee
Alink, L.R.A.; Staal, W.G.; Harmelen, A. van; Popma, A.; Kemps, M.M.; Oosterlaan, J.
Qualification
Doctor (dr.)
Awarding Institution
Leiden Institute of Education and Child Studies, Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Leiden University
Date
2022-05-11