Psychologist Diana Baumrind produced some of the most significant and influential research related to parenting styles in development. The research performed focused on two important factors of parenting with those being responsiveness and demandingness. The combinations of these two factors at different levels develop four specific parenting styles.
Baumrind designed her study with the intention of developing a greater understanding of the ways in which various nurturement methods influence the psychological development of children. Baumrind identified key aspects of different parenting styles to isolate the four central styles of parenting included in her theory of parenting styles. Baumrind measured the general effect on social competence, emotional regulation, and academic performance of students produced from differing parenting styles.
Baumrind's Parenting Styles
Authoritative parenting is characterized by the presence of high but reasonable and consistent expectations for child behavior. Parents employing this style of parenting have the ability to communicate well with children, behave warmly and responsively, and use reasoning when guiding children's behavior rather than attempting to implement coercion. Those in the parent role express support and interest in the activities that their children pursue without being overbearing and permitting mistakes. Children raised under this style of parenting tend to be happy, capable, and successful.
Example: When their child disobeys, the parents explain why they must be punished and how the child can avoid punishment in the future.
Authoritarian parenting is characterized by an approach that is low in support and high in demandingness. Parents demand obedience due to a feeling of centralized power and authority without providing reasonable explanations for their orders and requests. Children raised under this method of parenting are likely to be obedient and proficient but maintain lower levels of happiness, social competence, and self-esteem.
Example: The Smiths expect their children to do their homework immediately after school; it doesn’t matter if the kids feel tired and would like time to relax or play a little.
Permissive parenting is characterized by a high level of support and low level of demandingness from parents, otherwise named the indulgent parenting style. Parents are lenient and do not expect children to abide by any set regulations or boundaries. Children raised under permissive parenting methods tend to rank lowly in happiness and self-regulation, with a greater likelihood of developing issues with authority.
Example: The Johnson family has very few rules and even the ones they have are rarely enforced.
Neglectful parenting is characterized by a lack of support and demandingness from parents, who tend to be rejecting of their children and fail to provide most necessary parenting responsibilities. Children raised under this method of parenting rank lowest across all life domains, lack self-control, lack self-esteem, and are typically less competent than their peers.
Example: When his son cries because he is hurt or wants attention, John barely notices.