| Longitudinal research on externalizing disorders has demonstrated that the signs of this form of psychopathology emerge early in life. For example, physically aggressive behaviours can be first observed as early as 18 months of age. Most preschool-aged children develop the self-regulatory abilities to inhibit these problem behaviours and express their aggressive and competitive impulses in alternative, constructive ways. Some children do not develop these abilities and chronic psychosocial difficulties typically result.;Several researchers have raised the possibility that Parent-child rough-and-tumble play (RTP) interactions give parents and children an opportunity to develop the child's self-regulatory abilities. Defined here as aggressive behaviours in a play context, RTP often challenges children to modulate their behaviour to ensure their play partner continues to enjoy the activity. In the work that follows, the hypothesis that parent-child RTP can influence the development of behaviour self-regulation is tested.;The first study reported here shows that the frequency of mother-child RTP in the preschool is negatively associated with physical aggression later in development, though this effect depends on the presence of a father figure in the home. The second study validates the Rough-and-Tumble Play Scales (RTPS), designed to facilitate the study of RTP and the development of self-regulation. The third study uses observational techniques to highlight the importance of a dominant father in play interactions. RTP frequency was negatively associated levels of physical aggression in dyads in which the father was relatively more dominant. The reverse was true for dyads in which the father was relatively less dominant. Finally, the fourth study showed that this interaction between father-child RTP frequency and father dominance also predict several other aspects of self-regulatory functioning 5 years later.;RTP is a highly common, natural, and enjoyable activity for many parents and their children. Collectively, these studies also suggest that under the right conditions, parent-child RTP can influence the development of a child's self-regulatory abilities. While further research is needed, these results hold promise for the development of new interventions for children at risk for externalizing problems and their parents. |
