%0 Journal Article
%T Positive parenting improves multiple aspects of health and well-being in young adulthood
%J -
%D 2019
%R https://doi.org/10.1038/s41562-019-0602-x
%X Aspects of positive parenting have previously been linked to better offspring health and well-being1,2, though often, individual outcomes have been examined separately. Examining multiple outcomes simultaneously, over multiple aspects of parenting, may provide a more holistic picture of the parenting¨Chealth dynamics3,4. Methodological limitations such as reverse causation¡ªgood childhood outcomes that make parenting easier¡ªalso remain a concern in many previous observational studies5. Here we examined the associations between multiple aspects of parenting (including parent¨Cchild relationship satisfaction concerning love, parental authoritativeness and family dinner frequency) and various subsequent offspring psychosocial, mental, behavioural and physical health and well-being outcomes. We analysed longitudinal data from the Growing Up Today Study 1 (N£¿=£¿8,476, mean baseline age£¿=£¿12.78£¿years) and Growing Up Today Study 2 (N£¿=£¿5,453, mean baseline age£¿=£¿17.75£¿years). Both parenting and health outcomes were based on offspring self-reports. The results suggest that greater relationship satisfaction was associated with greater emotional well-being, lower risk of mental illness, eating disorders, overweight or obesity and marijuana use. To a lesser extent, greater parental authoritativeness and regular family dinner were also associated with greater offspring emotional well-being, fewer depressive symptoms, lower risk of overeating and certain sexual behaviours. This study strengthens the evidence for a public health focus on improving parenting to promote population health and well-being
%U https://www.nature.com/articles/s41562-019-0602-x