How parenting styles affect child personality

Types of Parenting Styles and Effects On Children - StatPearls

Terrence Sanvictores; Magda D. Mendez.

Author Information

Last Update: September 18, 2022.

Definition/Introduction

When it comes to parenting, there is a great deal of diversity among families. Cultural backgrounds have a major impact on how the family unit exists and how children are reared. In the last several years, the population of the United States of America has had a makeup. Changes driven by immigration (with different cultural, ethnic, and spiritual ideologies), socioeconomic status, and single-parent families are some of the factors that determine a variety of parenting styles among families. As per the 2014 U.S. Census Bureau data, ¼ of children lived in single-parent families, and three-fourths lived in households with two married parents. These patterns differ when race and ethnicity are considered. Although children can thrive in all types of family environments, data suggest that, on average, children living in single-parent families fare less well than their counterparts.

The definition of culture refers to a pattern of social norms, values, language, and behavior shared by individuals. As a result, parents are affected by their culture. When it comes to self-regulation, parenting approaches vary across cultures concerning promoting attention, compliance, delayed gratification, executive function, and effortful control.

Every parent has a different approach in how to interact and guide their children. A child’s morals, principles, and conduct are generally established through this bond. Different researchers have grouped parenting styles into three, four, five, or more psychological constructs. This article's content will only focus on four parenting categories: authoritarian, authoritative, permissive, and uninvolved. Every category employs a unique approach to how parents raise their children. Generally, each parent will fall into one of these categories and sometimes have some characteristics from another category. Parenting style can also be situation-dependent.

Issues of Concern

Authoritarian Parenting

Parents of this style tend to have a one-way mode of communication where the parent establishes strict rules that the child obeys. There is little to no room for negotiations from the child, and the rules are not usually explained. They expect their children to uphold these standards while making no errors. Mistakes usually lead to punishment. Authoritarian parents are normally less nurturing and have high expectations with limited flexibility.

Children that grow up with authoritarian parents will usually be the most well-behaved in the room because of the consequences of misbehaving. Additionally, they are better able to adhere to the precise instructions required to reach a goal. Furthermore, this parenting style can result in children who have higher levels of aggression but may also be shy, socially inept, and unable to make their own decisions.[1] This aggression can remain uncontrolled as they have difficulty managing anger as they were not provided with proper guidance. They have poor self-esteem, which further reinforces their inability to make decisions.[2] Strict parental rules and punishments often influence the child to rebel against authority figures as they grow older.

Authoritative Parenting

This type of parent normally develops a close, nurturing relationship with their children. They have clear guidelines for their expectations and explain their reasons associated with disciplinary actions. Disciplinary methods are used as a way of support instead of punishment. Not only can children have input into goals and expectations, but there are also frequent and appropriate levels of communication between the parent and their child. In general, this parenting style leads to the healthiest outcomes for children but requires a lot of patience and effort on both parties.

Authoritative parenting results in children who are confident, responsible, and able to self-regulate.[1][3] They can manage their negative emotions more effectively, which leads to better social outcomes and emotional health. Since these parents also encourage independence, their children will learn that they are capable of accomplishing goals on their own. This results in children who grow up with higher self-esteem. Also, these children have a high level of academic achievement and school performance.[4]

Permissive Parenting

Permissive parents tend to be warm, nurturing and usually have minimal or no expectations. They impose limited rules on their children. Communication remains open, but parents allow their children to figure things out for themselves. These low levels of expectation usually result in rare uses of discipline. They act more like friends than parents.

Limited rules can lead to children with unhealthy eating habits, especially regarding snacks.[5] This can result in increased risks for obesity and other health problems later in the child’s life. The child also has a lot of freedom as they decide their bedtime, if or when to do homework, and screen time with the computer and television. [6] Freedom to this degree can lead to other negative habits as the parent does not provide much guidance on moderation. Overall, children of permissive parents usually have some self-esteem and decent social skills. However, they can be impulsive, demanding, selfish, and lack self-regulation.[7][8]

Uninvolved Parenting

Children are given a lot of freedom as this type of parent normally stays out of the way. They fulfill the child’s basic needs while generally remaining detached from their child’s life. An uninvolved parent does not utilize a particular disciplining style and has a limited amount of communication with their child. They tend to offer a low amount of nurturing while having either few or no expectations of their children.

The children of uninvolved parents usually are resilient and may even be more self-sufficient than children with other types of upbringing. However, these skills are developed out of necessity. Additionally, they might have trouble controlling their emotions, less effective coping strategies, may have academic challenges, and difficulty with maintaining or nurturing social relationships. [9][10]

Clinical Significance

Characteristics of a parent’s upbringing style may continue to be prevalent in the child’s behaviors and actions as they age. As a child grows older, they can be affected by other factors that further shape their conduct or possibly change it entirely (i.e., therapy, culture, job, and social circle). With regards to health outcomes, it is important to identify which areas of concern are related to the upbringing style of a patient’s parents (i.e., the habit of unmonitored snacking) and address the issues at that level. These issues become relatively more important when it comes to behavioral/ psychological intervention.

Becoming culturally competent whenever possible is a great asset for providers who take care of pediatric patients. Understanding the family background, how rules are set, and discipline styles will allow the clinician to understand the dynamics of the family unit. Once the provider is familiarized with the parental rearing techniques, identifying, managing, or referring families will be an easier task.

Nursing, Allied Health, and Interprofessional Team Interventions

Child interventions may require knowledge of their parent's upbringing style, especially if physical or verbal abuse is suspected. Understanding the child's home environment can lead to better patient outcomes as more personalized approaches can be taken towards the child's wellbeing.

Review Questions

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References

1.: Masud H, Ahmad MS, Cho KW, Fakhr Z. Parenting Styles and Aggression Among Young Adolescents: A Systematic Review of Literature. Community Ment Health J. 2019 Aug;55(6):1015-1030. [PubMed: 31102163]
2.: Martínez I, García JF. Impact of parenting styles on adolescents' self-esteem and internalization of values in Spain. Span J Psychol. 2007 Nov;10(2):338-48. [PubMed: 17992960]
3.: Morris AS, Silk JS, Steinberg L, Myers SS, Robinson LR. The Role of the Family Context in the Development of Emotion Regulation. Soc Dev. 2007 May 01;16(2):361-388. [PMC free article: PMC2743505] [PubMed: 19756175]
4.: Pong SL, Johnston J, Chen V. Authoritarian Parenting and Asian Adolescent School Performance: Insights from the US and Taiwan. Int J Behav Dev. 2010 Jan;34(1):62-72. [PMC free article: PMC4026298] [PubMed: 24850978]
5.: Lopez NV, Schembre S, Belcher BR, O'Connor S, Maher JP, Arbel R, Margolin G, Dunton GF. Parenting styles, food-related parenting practices, and children's healthy eating: A mediation analysis to examine relationships between parenting and child diet. Appetite. 2018 Sep 01;128:205-213. [PMC free article: PMC7529118] [PubMed: 29920321]
6.: Langer SL, Crain AL, Senso MM, Levy RL, Sherwood NE. Predicting child physical activity and screen time: parental support for physical activity and general parenting styles. J Pediatr Psychol. 2014 Jul;39(6):633-42. [PMC free article: PMC4092246] [PubMed: 24812256]
7.: Leeman RF, Patock-Peckham JA, Hoff RA, Krishnan-Sarin S, Steinberg MA, Rugle LJ, Potenza MN. Perceived parental permissiveness toward gambling and risky behaviors in adolescents. J Behav Addict. 2014 Jun;3(2):115-23. [PMC free article: PMC4117283] [PubMed: 25215222]
8.: Piotrowski JT, Lapierre MA, Linebarger DL. Investigating Correlates of Self-Regulation in Early Childhood with a Representative Sample of English-Speaking American Families. J Child Fam Stud. 2013 Apr;22(3):423-436. [PMC free article: PMC3602616] [PubMed: 23525149]
9.: Nijhof KS, Engels RC. Parenting styles, coping strategies, and the expression of homesickness. J Adolesc. 2007 Oct;30(5):709-20. [PubMed: 17258804]
10.: Kuppens S, Ceulemans E. Parenting Styles: A Closer Look at a Well-Known Concept. J Child Fam Stud. 2019;28(1):168-181. [PMC free article: PMC6323136] [PubMed: 30679898]

Types of Parenting Styles and Effects On Children - StatPearls

Terrence Sanvictores; Magda D. Mendez.

Author Information

Last Update: September 18, 2022.

Definition/Introduction

Issues of Concern

Authoritarian Parenting

Authoritative Parenting

Permissive Parenting

Uninvolved Parenting

Clinical Significance

Nursing, Allied Health, and Interprofessional Team Interventions

Review Questions

Access free multiple choice questions on this topic.
Comment on this article.

References

1.: Masud H, Ahmad MS, Cho KW, Fakhr Z. Parenting Styles and Aggression Among Young Adolescents: A Systematic Review of Literature. Community Ment Health J. 2019 Aug;55(6):1015-1030. [PubMed: 31102163]
2.: Martínez I, García JF. Impact of parenting styles on adolescents' self-esteem and internalization of values in Spain. Span J Psychol. 2007 Nov;10(2):338-48. [PubMed: 17992960]
3.: Morris AS, Silk JS, Steinberg L, Myers SS, Robinson LR. The Role of the Family Context in the Development of Emotion Regulation. Soc Dev. 2007 May 01;16(2):361-388. [PMC free article: PMC2743505] [PubMed: 19756175]
4.: Pong SL, Johnston J, Chen V. Authoritarian Parenting and Asian Adolescent School Performance: Insights from the US and Taiwan. Int J Behav Dev. 2010 Jan;34(1):62-72. [PMC free article: PMC4026298] [PubMed: 24850978]
5.: Lopez NV, Schembre S, Belcher BR, O'Connor S, Maher JP, Arbel R, Margolin G, Dunton GF. Parenting styles, food-related parenting practices, and children's healthy eating: A mediation analysis to examine relationships between parenting and child diet. Appetite. 2018 Sep 01;128:205-213. [PMC free article: PMC7529118] [PubMed: 29920321]
6.: Langer SL, Crain AL, Senso MM, Levy RL, Sherwood NE. Predicting child physical activity and screen time: parental support for physical activity and general parenting styles. J Pediatr Psychol. 2014 Jul;39(6):633-42. [PMC free article: PMC4092246] [PubMed: 24812256]
7.: Leeman RF, Patock-Peckham JA, Hoff RA, Krishnan-Sarin S, Steinberg MA, Rugle LJ, Potenza MN. Perceived parental permissiveness toward gambling and risky behaviors in adolescents. J Behav Addict. 2014 Jun;3(2):115-23. [PMC free article: PMC4117283] [PubMed: 25215222]
8.: Piotrowski JT, Lapierre MA, Linebarger DL. Investigating Correlates of Self-Regulation in Early Childhood with a Representative Sample of English-Speaking American Families. J Child Fam Stud. 2013 Apr;22(3):423-436. [PMC free article: PMC3602616] [PubMed: 23525149]
9.: Nijhof KS, Engels RC. Parenting styles, coping strategies, and the expression of homesickness. J Adolesc. 2007 Oct;30(5):709-20. [PubMed: 17258804]
10.: Kuppens S, Ceulemans E. Parenting Styles: A Closer Look at a Well-Known Concept. J Child Fam Stud. 2019;28(1):168-181. [PMC free article: PMC6323136] [PubMed: 30679898]

The influence of the style of family education on the personality of the child

What role a child occupies in the family and how his communication with relatives develops directly depends on what he will become in the future, how he will look at the world and interact with people around him. The family is the cradle of a child's development. Knowing about the different styles of family education, their pros and cons, will allow you to develop your own style and create harmonious family relationships.

The role of the family in shaping the personality of the child

Relationships within the family are often perceived by the child as a role model. Most psychologists are sure that it is the flaws of upbringing in childhood that cause difficulties in communication in adulthood. The formation of the personality of the baby directly depends on what model of education is characteristic of his family.

Parents have a huge influence on their baby, since it is they, and not educators, coaches or teachers, who spend most of the time with the child, and their communication model becomes an example to follow. nine0003

There are many classifications of family education styles, which are based on various criteria for relationships within the family. In this article, we will introduce you to the classifications proposed by the following authors:

J. Bolnwin;
G. Craig;
D. Elder;
L.G. Sagotovskaya;
E.G. Eidemiller.

Styles of family education according to J. Baldwin

In the classification of J. Baldwin, two styles of education are distinguished. The division between democratic and controlling style was based on such criteria as the nature of the requirements for the child, the degree of control, emotional support and evaluation.

Democratic parenting style

Supervisory parenting style

There is a high level of trust in the family, everyone is ready to help each other. The opinion of all family members is taken into account when solving important issues. The child is perceived as an independent person. nine0003

A large number of prohibitions and rules.

The child is perceived as a member of the family who does not have his own opinion and must listen to his parents in everything. The level of trust in the family is low.

Research by psychologists has shown that children who were brought up in families with a democratic style of upbringing most often have the following characteristics:

Tendency to leadership; nine0016
Comprehensive development;
Social activity;
Sociability;
Lack of empathy, lack of altruism.

In families with a controlling style of upbringing, children grow up:

Suggestible;
Obedient;
Non-initiative;
Alarming.

Such "pure" variants of family education are rare, most families adhere to a mixed style. nine0003

Classification of parenting styles by G.

Kraig

Styles of family education according to G. Kraig can be divided on the basis of two criteria: the degree of parental control and the trusting relationship in the family. The researcher identifies four main styles of education:

The authoritative style of family education is one of the most harmonious. This parental position is based on trust in your child, but the level of control remains at a high level. As a result, friendly relations are established in the family, and the baby gets enough freedom for self-realization. Children in such families usually grow up purposeful and self-confident, as well as capable of self-control. nine0016
An authoritarian parenting style most often leads to strained intra-family relationships. It is based on total control. A child in a family where this style of upbringing is followed becomes fearful, irritable, aggressive, dependent.

The liberal style of family education is characterized by a low level of control over children and trusting relationships within the family. The behavior of the child is practically not regulated, but at the same time, children learn to control themselves. Growing up, children most often become active and creative individuals. nine0016
With an indifferent parenting style, the child is given the maximum level of freedom. Adults devote little time to children, so relationships within such families are not warm. Using this style of family parenting is fraught with the risk that the child may grow up hostile and anti-social.

Styles of parenting according to D. Elder

D. Elder distinguishes seven types of family education. The classification criteria are the degree of control and pressure on the child. nine0003

nine0035

Complete lack of control and interest in the child's life

Style of family education	Control level
Autocratic parenting style	Maximum (total control and suppression of the will of the child)
Authoritarian parenting style nine0040	High level of control (parents make decisions, but the child can express his opinion)
Democratic parenting style	Moderate (every family member has the right to vote)
Egalitarian parenting style	Self-control (the rights and obligations of adults and children are completely equal)
Permissive parenting style	Low supervision
Permissive parenting style	Lack of control (complete freedom of action of the child)
Ignoring parenting style

The degree of control over the actions of the child is a very important indicator of the style of family education. How much freedom a child is given in childhood depends on whether he grows up self-confident, active and enterprising, or, on the contrary, becomes an anxious and inactive person.

Classification of family education styles L.G. Sagotovskoy

This classification describes six possible parenting styles that differ in the degree of emotionality of the relationship between adults and the child, as well as the role of children in family life.

The child is the main concern and goal of adult life;
The child is the object of pedagogical efforts;
Child helper, small adult;
The child is a friend, an independent person;
Child - "empty place";

Variants of pathological styles of family education (EG Eidemiller)

The author of this classification identifies styles of family education that are abnormal and have a negative impact on the development of the child's personality. Parenting styles differ in the level of adult participation in the lives of children, the degree of control and attention of parents to the individual characteristics of the child.

Hypo-custody is insufficient care for a child. Children in such a situation are left to themselves, contacts within the family are minimal and superficial. The extreme degree of hypoprotection is neglect and pedagogical neglect. nine0016
Dominant overprotection - excessive care for the child in conjunction with complete control of behavior. In such families there are a huge number of prohibitions. As a result, children may grow up to be dependent and lack of initiative.
Indulgent overprotection is a parenting style that puts the child's desires and success at the forefront. Parents fulfill all the whims of their baby. Often, children who grew up in such “hothouse” conditions have a hard time in adulthood. nine0016

Emotional rejection. With this parenting style, adults do not want to participate in the lives of children, often resorting to punishment. Such "cold" parents may consider it their duty only to provide for the child and do not care about the emotional well-being of the baby.
Excessive requirements. Sometimes parents impose too many responsibilities on the child and demand from him what he is not yet capable of. This attitude towards the crumbs as a small adult often leads to increased anxiety and depression. nine0016
Inconsistency. The chaotic style of family education, which may arise due to the lack of a single position among parents or their fear of seeming unloving to the baby. Floating boundaries of what is permitted and inconsistency develop in the child impulsiveness, insecurity, instability of self-esteem. A kid who does not have a clear picture of the world does not get the sense of security and predictability he needs.

Advice for parents

In this article we have told you about the different styles of family education. Although each of the authors gave the styles their own name and used different classification criteria, they all talked about the same thing. In the traditional classification, which generalizes the options proposed earlier, four main types of family education are presented: authoritarian (powerful), democratic (respectful), indulgent (overprotective), conniving (indifferent). Their features are clearly shown in the video:

The authoritarian parenting style assumes that the word of the parents for the child is the law. Few children can retain their individuality at the same time, most often the baby grows up distrustful, withdrawn, dependent. During adolescence, the child may experience rebelliousness and antisocial behavior.

If you notice an authoritarian pattern of behavior behind you, try to change your attitude towards the child. It is necessary to reduce the pressure on the baby and pay attention to his own needs and desires. nine0003

The other extreme is the permissive style of family upbringing, in which everything is allowed for the child. Often parents use this parenting style to show their love, but this strategy does not lead to positive results. The absence of parental authority and any restrictions inadequately overestimates the child's self-esteem, which can lead to communication difficulties.

The child's development is negatively affected by both total parental control and lack of discipline. Restrictions and prohibitions are very important for the baby. They teach him to control his actions and behave within the framework of social norms. nine0003

The most harmonious style of family education is the democratic style. It is a combination of discipline and respect for the freedom of the child. Adults do not infringe on the rights of children, and they, in turn, have a number of responsibilities. Close trusting relationships are established within the family. As a result, children grow up sociable, self-confident and independent.

Conclusions

The influence of the style of family education on the formation of a child's personality is an extremely important and urgent problem. What style you follow when raising your baby directly affects his self-esteem, sociability, activity, independence and, in general, his attitude to the world. The most harmonious and effective is the democratic style of education, which is based on equality, mutual respect, care and love. nine0003

Conclusion

We are confident that every parent wants only the best for their child and is aware of their responsibility for their development. A favorable climate in the family, love and respect - this is what a baby needs to be self-confident and enjoy exploring the world. Bringing your child to classes at the Constellation Montessori Children's Center, you can be sure that here he will be treated as a unique person, respect his feelings and appreciate his freedom of choice. nine0003

Article prepared by psychologist
Safonova Maria

The influence of the style of family education on the formation of the child's personality

05 Mar 2021 at 11:41 District online newspaper Nashe Otradnoe SVAO Moscow

nine0002 A person is born, grows and most of his life is inextricably linked with the family.

Happiness and a sense of fullness of life largely depend on family relationships. Olga Savchuk, psychologist of the Dialogue Family Center, tells.

Family education plays an important role in the spiritual, moral and social formation of the younger generation. It is based on the principles of mutual understanding and mutual respect, where a child for parents is not only an object of education and training, but also a subject with their own rights and obligations. nine0003

The family is the first social group of different ages in which he learns to communicate, learns how men and women behave in various situations of interaction. In the family, children learn to assimilate the values, parameters of assessments and self-assessments, the norms that their parents supply and by which they begin to evaluate themselves, as well as their image as possessing certain features and qualities. It is in the family that the child masters almost all types of social activities: communication, work, teaching. nine0003

The family environment combines the personal characteristics of the parents, the conditions in which the family lives and the style of upbringing. Many factors influence the formation of upbringing in the family: the family’s lifestyle, the level of culture and education, ideas about parenting, the parent’s emotional involvement in the process interaction with the child, the nature of the control of the child's behavior by the parents, the number of prohibitions, control and guardianship by adults.

The main goal of family education is the development of such important personality traits that will help her cope with the difficulties encountered in life.

Important tasks in education are the development of creativity, intellect, culture, physical health, primary work experience.

What are the consequences of an unstable upbringing style and disruption of emotional ties in the family:

— to an increase in deviant forms of behavior among children and youth

- increase in crime

- drug addiction

- suicide

Influence of parenting style on the development of the child's personality:

connivance - to the development of inadequate ideas about oneself; the lack of parental attention makes it impossible to believe in oneself, and the courage to cope with emerging life difficulties, in adequate self-esteem, self-confidence and the ability to follow certain rules of behavior are the most important moments in communication between parents and children.