Navigating Generational Patterns: How Childhood Trauma Shapes Authoritative Parenting Practices in Indian Families

Background: Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are defined as early childhood exposure to maltreatment and household dysfunction. Research indicates a potential intergenerational influence of parental ACEs on their children’s well-being. Objective: This study investigated the association between parental ACE scores and the Authoritative Parenting Style, considered the most ideal style among the four parenting styles. Methods: Parents (N=130) seeking therapeutic help at a wellness center participated in this study. They filled out two self-report questionnaires: The Parenting Styles and Dimensions Questionnaire (PSDQ) and the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) based on 16 binary questions. Authoritative parenting style was identified from PSDQ, and childhood trauma levels were identified based on the ACE16 questionnaire (The high trauma group had an ACE total score of >=5). For statistical analysis, an independent samples t-test was conducted to understand the link between childhood trauma (high and low) and their parenting style (specifically, the desired style, authoritative parenting, and its dimensions). Results: Parents in the higher trauma exposure (ACE16 score >=5) had significantly less Authoritative (desired) parenting style compared to parents in the low trauma exposure group (statistically significant, p< .05). Two of the three dimensions (Regulation and Autonomy) related to control were also lower in individuals with a history of high childhood trauma (p<.05). Conclusion: The findings indicate that parents’ childhood trauma significantly impacts their “Authoritative” parenting style as a parent. Higher exposure to childhood trauma significantly lowers the more desired parenting style (Authoritative) for parents compared to those with low childhood trauma.