Conflict resolution tactics between mothers and children in a capital city in southeastern Brazil: prevalence and correlations

Abstract

Objective: To identify the prevalence of conflict resolution tactics between mothers and children and their correlations. Method: This cross-sectional study included 418 women from Vitória, Espírito Santo, Brazil. The outcome was the conflict resolution tactics used by mothers with children under 19 years of age, measured by the Parent-Child Conflict Tactics Scales, categorized into non-violent discipline, psychological aggression, corporal punishment, and maltreatment. Analyses were performed using STATA and R, and presented as absolute and relative frequencies, mean, standard deviation, 95% confidence interval, Pearson’s chi-square test (χ2) or Fisher’s exact test, and correlation test. Results: There was a higher prevalence of the use of non-violent discipline (P: 88.8%; 95%CI: 85.7–91.8). Approximately 82% (95%CI: 78.1–85.5) used psychological aggression, 35.9% used corporal punishment (95%CI: 31.3–40.5), and 23.4% (95%CI: 19.4–27.5) used some disciplinary method that constitutes mistreatment. Conclusion: Although non-violent discipline is widely adopted by mothers, there is a significant presence of psychological aggression and physical assault, as well as practices of mistreatment.