Effects of Parenting Style on Child Self-control and Problem Behavior: An Examination Using Dyadic Data.

Abstract

This study had two purposes. First, it examined the effects of individual parenting styles (within level) and parenting styles of both parents (between level) on the development of problem behavior and self-regulation in children using dyadic data. Second, it investigated the relationship between problem behavior and self-regulation by typifying combinations of parenting styles. Multilevel structural equation modeling indicated that the effects on self-regulation and problem behavior differed within and between levels. Furthermore, positive rearing had an effect at all subscales of self-regulation within levels, and no effect was found between levels. The results of the cluster analysis suggested that the positive paternal encouragement, maternal reprimand, and difficulty raising a child were important factors for self-assertion and self-regulation. The different results for the within and between levels suggest that the individual and collective roles of parents may differ as per the relationship between parenting style and child's development.

【Research Impact】

This study empirically demonstrated effects of parenting style on children's problem behavior and self-regulation within and between levels, using multilevel structural equation modeling and longitudinal dyadic data. By examining combinations of parenting styles with fathers and mothers, it also showed effects among variables and suggested the possibility of complementary child-rearing styles.