A new study published this week in the Journal of Personality illustrates just how harmful nagging your child can be. Conducted by Professor Geneviève Mageau of the Université de Montréal’s
Why Nagging Can Be Harmful: Insights from a New Study
Nagging is a common behavior among parents, but a new study suggests that it may be more harmful than we realize. The study, published in the Journal of Personality, found that frequent parental nagging can have negative effects on a child’s well-being and relationship with their parents.
The study was conducted by Professor Geneviève Mageau of the Université de Montréal’s Department of Psychology. She and her team surveyed 1,163 adolescents and their parents about their experiences with nagging. The study found that when parents frequently nagged their children, it led to a decrease in the quality of the parent-child relationship, as well as increased feelings of stress, anxiety, and depression among the children.
So why is nagging so harmful? According to Professor Mageau, nagging can be perceived as a lack of trust in a child’s abilities, and can lead to feelings of resentment and frustration. It can also create a power dynamic between parent and child that can be damaging to the relationship.
So what can parents do instead of nagging? According to Professor Mageau, it’s important for parents to communicate clearly with their children, and to set expectations and boundaries in a respectful and supportive manner. Parents should also focus on reinforcing positive behaviors, rather than simply criticizing negative ones.
In short, nagging may seem like a harmless habit, but it can have negative consequences for both parents and children. By communicating clearly and respectfully with our children, we can create a healthier and happier family dynamic.