title: Reciprocal Associations Among Maternal and Child Characteristics of At-Risk Families: A Longitudinal Actor-Partner Interdependence Model.
abstract: Researchers have found linear associations among maternal and child characteristics. However, family systems theorists suggest that relationships are more complex and family members are interdependent. We used actor-partner interdependence modeling to unravel associations among maternal and child characteristics to predict outcomes in adolescence. We used data from 361 mother-child dyads from the Longitudinal Studies of Child Abuse and Neglect and found both actor and partner effects. Maternal depression and history of victimization were associated with children's later reports of lower mother-adolescent relationship quality. Children's perceptions of relationship quality were also associated with mothers' later depressive symptoms and perceptions of relationship quality. Overall, results highlighted interdependence among mothers and their children over time. We discuss implications for marriage and family therapists.
authors.affiliation: Central Washington University.
authors.forename: Amy M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Claridge
authors.affiliation: The University of Iowa.
authors.forename: Armeda S
authors.initials: AS
authors.lastname: Wojciak
authors.affiliation: Florida State University.
authors.forename: Cassandra G
authors.initials: CG
authors.lastname: Lettenberger-Klein
authors.affiliation: Florida State University.
authors.forename: Haley V
authors.initials: HV
authors.lastname: Pettigrew
authors.affiliation: Florida State University.
authors.forename: Lenore M
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: McWey
authors.affiliation: Florida State University.
authors.forename: Casey L
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Chaviano
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D002649:Child Abuse / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005191:Family Characteristics; D005196:Family Therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008960:Models, Psychological; D009034:Mother-Child Relations; D036301:Qualitative Research; D055815:Young Adult