Psychology, Department of
Date of this Version
December 2004
Abstract
Objective: To assess parental beliefs that minor childhood injuries play a beneficial role in the development of young children.
Methods: Mothers and fathers of 159 children, ages 15 to 40 months, completed the Injury Attitudes Questionnaire (IAQ), designed to assess parental beliefs that children "learn from" and "toughen up" as a result of experiencing minor injuries.
Results: A main effect for parent gender was found such that fathers endorsed stronger beliefs than did mothers regarding the developmental benefits of injuries.
Conclusions: The accuracy of these beliefs as well as their relevance to parental injury-prevention behaviors is discussed.
Comments
Published in American Journal of Health Behavior, 28 (supplement), S61-S68. Copyright 2004 PNG Publications. Used by permission. http://www.ajhb.org/index.htm