Relationship Between Parenting Attitudes, Socio‐Demographic Factors and Behaviours That Challenge in Children and Adolescents With Intellectual Disability

ABSTRACT Background Behaviours that challenge are highly prevalent in children and adolescents with intellectual disability, impacting both their well‐being and that of their families. Understanding the role of parenting attitudes and socio‐demographic factors in these behaviours is crucial for effective support. Methods A quantitative, cross‐sectional, non‐experimental study was conducted with 193 mothers of children and adolescents aged 7 to 17 years with intellectual disability in Chile. Validated instruments were used to assess parenting attitudes, behaviours that challenge, adaptive functioning, and socio‐demographic variables. Hierarchical regression analyses were performed. Findings Parenting attitudes—particularly related to discipline and communication—were associated with higher levels of behaviours that challenge. Greater perceived fairness in parenting roles was linked to fewer internalising behaviours. Boys exhibited more internalising behaviours than girls, while externalising behaviours decreased with age. Additionally, higher levels of support needs in children predicted increased behaviours that challenge. Conclusion The findings underscore the importance of parenting attitudes in understanding behaviours that challenge in children with intellectual disability. Interventions should consider these attitudes and aim to strengthen family support systems.