How does parenting style affect children’s well-being? A study of Italian parents provides insights into the links between authoritarian and authoritative parenting styles and the mental health of preschool and primary school children.
Parents play a crucial role in their children’s lives. Their parenting style can have a significant impact on their child’s development and well-being. A study by Delvecchio et al. examined the relationship between authoritarian and authoritative parenting styles of Italian parents and the psychological well-being of their preschool and primary school children.
The study included 459 parent couples with children between the ages of 2 and 11. Mothers and fathers completed questionnaires about their parenting styles and their perceptions of their children. In addition, the children’s psychological well-being was assessed using a standardized test.
Research design and method
The study by Delvecchio et al. (2020) uses a quantitative research design to examine the relationships between parenting styles and children’s well-being. The researchers used questionnaires to collect data from 459 Italian parents.
Sample
The sample included both mothers and fathers of children aged 2 to 11 years. The parents were predominantly from urban and suburban areas of Italy and represented various socioeconomic strata.
Measuring instruments
- Parenting Styles and Dimensions Questionnaire (PSDQ): This questionnaire assessed parents’ perceived parenting styles (authoritarian and authoritative).
- Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ): This instrument was used to assess the children’s psychological well-being.
- Parenting Stress Index-Short Form (PSI-SF): This questionnaire assessed parents’ perceptions of how difficult they feel their child is.
Data analysis
The researchers used statistical methods such as MANOVA, correlation analyses and structural equation modeling to examine the relationships between the variables. In particular, the role of parental perception of a difficult child was analyzed as a mediator.
Detailed results
The results of the study supported the assumption that parenting style has a significant influence on children’s well-being. Authoritative parenting, characterized by warmth, clear boundaries, and high expectations, was associated with better psychological well-being in children. In contrast, authoritarian parenting, characterized by strict rules and low emotional warmth, was associated with more difficulties in children.
An important finding of the study was the role of parental perception of a difficult child. Parents who perceived their child as particularly challenging were more likely to use an authoritarian parenting style and report more difficulties with their children. These results suggest that parental perception plays an important role in the development and maintenance of problems in the parent-child relationship.
The results showed the following:
- Italian parents were more likely to use an authoritative parenting style, which is characterized by warmth, affection, open communication, and loving closeness.
- Fathers rated themselves higher than mothers on both the authoritarian and authoritative scales.
- There was no significant difference between mothers and fathers in terms of authoritarian and authoritative parenting styles.
- Authoritative parenting was associated with lower levels of perceived difficulties with the child.
- Authoritarian parenting, on the other hand, was associated with higher levels of perceived difficulties with the child.
- The link between parenting style and child well-being was partly mediated by parental perceptions of a difficult child.
In summary:
- An authoritative parenting style, based on warmth, understanding and clear boundaries, appears to have a positive effect on children’s mental well-being.
- Parents who perceive their child as difficult are more likely to have an authoritarian parenting style, which in turn can have a negative impact on the child.
Limitations of the study:
- The study only used parental perceptions. It would be desirable to include the views of older children.
- Socioeconomic status and parental stress were not taken into account.
Despite these limitations, the study provides valuable insights into the relationship between parenting styles and child well-being. It highlights the importance of a positive parent-child relationship and shows how parental perceptions of a child can influence parenting styles and their effects.
Implications for practice
The results of this study have important implications for parenting practice:
- Promoting authoritative parenting: Parents can be supported through parenting classes and counseling to develop an authoritative parenting style.
- Support for parents with difficult children: Parents who find their child particularly challenging need targeted support to learn how to deal with challenging situations more constructively.
- Prevention of behavioral problems: Promoting positive parent-child relationships can prevent behavioral problems in children.
Open questions and future research
Although the study by Delvecchio et al. provides important insights, some questions remain:
- Longitudinal studies: It would be interesting to examine the long-term effects of parenting styles on child development.
- Cultural differences: The study was conducted in Italy. It is unclear to what extent the results can be transferred to other cultures.
- Interaction with other factors: Other factors, such as socioeconomic status or parental mental health, could influence the links between parenting style and child well-being.
Conclusion
The study by Delvecchio et al. highlights the importance of parenting styles for children’s development. An authoritative parenting style, characterized by warmth, clear boundaries, and high expectations, appears to promote children’s well-being. Parents who perceive their child as difficult should be given targeted support to learn how to deal with challenging situations in a more constructive way.
The study is available here: https://ejop.psychopen.eu/index.php/ejop/article/view/2013/2013.pdf
