The Moderating Effects of Parental Neglect on Children`s Irrational Beliefs and Style of Expressing Anger
Yeon Deuk Hwang
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate the moderating effect of parent`s neglectful behavior on children`s irrational beliefs and their style of expressing anger. The subjects consisted of 354 5th and 6th grade elementary school children. The instruments used were the Multidimensional Neglectful Behavior Scale (Straus et al., 1995), the Irrational Belief Scales (Lee, 2004), and the Anger Expression Scale (Spielberger, Krasner, & Solomon, 1988). Data were analyzed by means of both descriptive statistics and hierarchical regression analysis using the SPSS 18.0. The result of this study indicated that there were significant correlations between parent`s neglectful behavior and the irrational beliefs and style of anger expression exhibited by the children concerned. Hierarchical regression analysis indicated that, the effects of children`s irrational beliefs on their anger was moderated by parent`s neglectful behavior. The effects of children`s irrational beliefs on their anger control was also moderated by parent`s neglectful behavior. In conclusion, parent`s neglectful behavior has a moderating effect upon a child`s irrational beliefs as it relates to the style of anger expression as exhibited by their children.