Study of Temperament and Parenting Styles in Children with Unexplained Physical Symptoms

Temperament and parenting style are bidirectional in nature. Children with certain temperamental traits are more vulnerable to develop unexplained physical symptoms. The aim of this study was to assess the temperaments and parenting styles in children with unexplained physical symptoms.

40 children were inducted from Paediatrics OPD, Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), Chandigarh out of which 20 were of unexplained physical symptoms and 20 with minor physical ailments as a control group. Children whose parents are suspected of any psychiatric morbidity were excluded from the study. Children in both the groups were screened for behavioural problems using Paediatric Symptom Checklist and those who scored positive for behavioural problems were excluded from the control group. Children were assessed on temperament using Temperament Measurement Schedule and parenting styles using Parenting Style Dimension Questionnaire. Results showed that both the groups were significantly different with respect to mother's and father's parenting styles. Parents of patient's group were using permissive and authoritarian parenting styles. There was significant difference on dimensions of temperament. Patient group was less adaptable, more irritable, passive, more distractible, having irregular biological rhythms as compared to control counterparts. It was concluded that child's particular temperament especially with somatic complaints should be taken into consideration in arranging the overall child rearing environment.