abstract
- OBJECTIVE: To assess parental beliefs that minor childhood injuries play a beneficial role in the development of young children. METHODS: Mothers and fathers of 159 children, ages 15 to 40 months, completed the Injury Attitudes Questionnaire (IAQ), designed to assess parental beliefs that children "learn from" and "toughen up" as a result of experiencing minor injuries. RESULTS: A main effect for parent gender was found such that fathers endorsed stronger beliefs than did mothers regarding the developmental benefits of injuries. CONCLUSIONS: The accuracy of these beliefs as well as their relevance to parental injury-prevention behaviors is discussed.