Previous literature has established numerous links between negative parenting practices with higher levels of child externalizing problems and poorer social skills. Furthermore, research in individual susceptibility to environmental factors and stress demonstrated varying levels of behavioral problems. This study examined the moderating effects of socioeconomic status (SES) and child temperamental negative emotionality (TNE) had on the association between negative parenting practices and child adjustment. Examining the effects of economic stress and TNE provides insights into the interplay between parent-child interactions through surrounding internal and environmental factors, leading to more effective and nuanced support services for children in need. SES and child TNE were hypothesized to moderate the association between parenting and child adjustment, such that negative parenting practices show a stronger association with child maladjustment for children from lower SES than higher SES families and for children with higher TNE compared to children with lower TNE. The sample (N = 70) consisted of children who were 3 to 7 years old, as part of the longitudinal School Readiness Study. TNE was assessed by caregiver-report and observation of the child during a frustrating task. SES and child adjustment (callous/unemotional behavior, externalizing problems, and emotional dysregulation) were assessed by caregiver-report. Results were mixed, but several patterns emerged. Partially in line with the original hypothesis, SES moderated the association between negative parenting practices and children’s callous/unemotional behavior. However, negative emotionality and affect moderated the association between negative parenting practices and children’s externalizing problems, as well as moderating the association between inconsistent discipline and emotional dysregulation. Generally, this study provides support to the dual-risk model. The other bivariate associations SES and TNE had on child adjustment warrant additional investigation to determine the associations’ directionality. 

Keywords: parental rejection, child adjustment, callous/unemotional behavior, externalization problems, emotional dysregulation, inconsistent discipline, socioeconomic status, moderation