Dynamics of psychological control in mother–youth relationships: A Simpson’s paradox in family processes.
Abstract
in later mother-perpetrated PC, suggesting that when mothers perceived their children to be more psychologically controlling than usual, youth subsequently reported their mothers as being less psychologically controlling than usual. The opposing valences of the between- versus within-family associations indicate a Simpson's paradox, offering a novel interpretation of manipulative and coercive behaviors in families. This research also represents a departure from a traditional focus on parental perpetration of PC, suggesting that youth might use PC to acquire more power in family interactions. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved).
Fields of Study & Subjects
Child and Adolescent Psychosocial and Emotional Development
Family Dynamics and Relationships
Attachment and Relationship Dynamics
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Developmental Psychology
- Volume
- 62
- Issue
- 11
- Pages
- 2335–2347
- Publication date
- 29 January 2026
- Language
- EN