Children's behavioural and emotional problems may also be exacerbated by negative parental feelings such as hostility (Brannigan, Gemmell et al. 2002); and both poor adjustment and low school achievement have been linked to parents» own
perceived lack of competence (Coleman and Karraker 2003; Jones and Prinz 2005).
The process
of non-voluntary immigration, transitioning and acculturating to a new country may have a negative impact on the mental health
of immigrants.1 — 3 Postmigration factors (eg, stress,
lack of social capital, social isolation and loss
of social network) as well as acculturation problems and experiences
of discrimination in the host country affect the mental health
of the parents and the children.4 5 Moreover, immigrant parents face challenges concerning their role and responsibilities as parents while adjusting to the host country, all
of which tend to create stress in parenting.1 3 6 The mental health problems
of parents have been reported to be a risk factor for children's behavioural problems and may negatively affect the parent — child attachment and their relationship.7 8 Studies have also shown that parents with mental health problems have a low
perceived sense
of competence in parenting and may
lack the ability to employ positive parenting practises.9 10
Treatment effects were studied in terms
of child behavior problems (ADHD symptoms, ODD symptoms, social
competence deficits, and daily problem behaviors), parental stress, and
lack of perceived control.