Child-to-Parent Violence Among Adolescents: A Preliminary Analysis of Its Association with Sociodemographic Variables, Dating Violence, and Antisocial Traits

Introduction: Child-to-parent violence (CPV) is influenced by factors such as sex, age, dating violence, psychopathy traits, and antisocial and law-violating behaviors. This study explores how these variables relate to aggression towards parents, identifying key explanatory factors. Methods: This research engaged 136 Spanish adolescents aged 15–18 (mean age = 16.47; 51% female). Assessments included the Conflict in Adolescent Dating Relationships Inventory (CADRI) for dating violence, the Psychopathy Content Scale (P-16) for psychopathy, the Antisocial and Criminal Behavior Scale in Adolescents (ECADA) for antisocial and law-violating behaviors, and the Conflict Tactics Scales (CTS2) for CPV. Analyses of associations included linear regression and qualitative comparative analysis (QCA). Results: Females exhibited higher levels of verbal violence, less delinquency, and more frequent CPV towards mothers. Psychopathy, antisocial and law-violating behaviors, and exposure to verbal violence were correlated with filial aggression. Violence towards mothers was associated with older age, female sex, verbal violence exposure, and psychopathy (47% variance explained), while violence towards fathers was linked to younger age and psychopathy (28% variance explained). QCA results indicated that specific combinations of having experienced violence and psychopathic traits contribute to CPV towards both parents. Conclusions: These findings highlight the importance of addressing psychological and sociodemographic risk factors for CPV. Prevention efforts should focus on reducing exposure to violence, identifying at-risk adolescents, and implementing targeted interventions to promote family well-being.