To Spank or Not to Spank? Arguments against physical punishment Spanking does work in the short term, but even then there are negative effects Children who are spanked are less popular with peers and show higher levels of aggression Harsh and erratic physical punishment increases negative outcomes

Parenting Styles Diana Baumrind Dimensions of parenting – Warmth or nurturance – Level of expectations (maturity demands)

Control and Communication Between Parent and Child Baumrind’s Parenting Styles

The Authoritarian Type Parents attempt to mold and control behaviors and attitudes – Emphasize obedience, respect for authority, order – Expect rules to be followed without discussion Children Do less well in school Less skilled with peers Lower self-esteem Some are subdued Some are highly aggressive

The Permissive Type Parents who exercise little authority and are indulgent while showing warmth Children Do slightly less well in school as adolescents Likely to be aggressive Somewhat immature in behavior with peers Less likely to take responsibility Less independent

The Authoritative Type Most consistently positive outcomes associated with this type – Parents set clear limits – Expect and reinforce socially mature behaviors – Respond to the child’s individual needs – Willing to discipline the child appropriately Use time out or mild punishments Children Higher self-esteem More independent More likely to comply to parental requests Self-confident and achievement-oriented Get better grades

The Neglecting Type Most consistently negative outcomes Psychologically unavailable mother – Depressed – Overwhelmed with life stressors – No deep emotional connection to the child Children Continue to show disturbances in relationships with peers and adults Adolescents are more impulsive and anti-social Less achievement-oriented in school More likely to become delinquent More likely to engage in early sexual activity

Parenting Styles and Development Study of 11,000 high school students (Steinberg et al., 1994) – 6,900 followed over a two-year period – Measured parenting style by asking teenagers to respond to questions – Classified results in the Maccoby and Martin category system – Looked at relationship between family style and teen behaviors

Parenting Styles and Development Authoritative style produced the best outcomes Authoritarian families Neglected families Research has been replicated across a variety of cultures

Steinberg and Dornbusch’s Study of Parenting Style and Delinquency