Theories of parent-child relationships Flashcards
What are the five major theories of parent-child relationships?
- Evolutionary psychology theory
- Bioecological systems theory
- Attachment theory
- Social learning theory
- Human behavioural genetics theory
These theories provide different perspectives on how parents and children interact and develop.
Who is associated with the Evolutionary psychology theory?
Charles Darwin
Darwin’s work on natural selection is foundational to this theory.
What is the central idea of the Selfish Gene theory?
Genes survive and are passed on
This concept was popularized by Richard Dawkins in 1976.
What is a key characteristic of infants’ cries according to evolutionary psychology?
Evolved to draw caregivers’ attention
This adaptation is thought to enhance survival.
Who developed the Bioecological systems theory?
Urie Bronfenbrenner
He introduced this theory in 1979.
What does the formula B = f (P, E) represent in bioecological systems theory?
Behaviour is a function of the person and environment
This formula indicates the interaction between individual characteristics and their environment.
What are the five systems in Bronfenbrenner’s bioecological model?
- Microsystem
- Mesosystem
- Exosystem
- Macrosystem
- Chronosystem
Each system represents different contexts influencing child development.
What does the Microsystem refer to in Bronfenbrenner’s theory?
Immediate settings and interactions, such as home and family
It emphasizes direct relationships affecting a child’s development.
What is the focus of Darling and Steinberg’s views on parenting?
Parenting styles and practices
They discuss how these influence children’s socialization.
What are the three parenting styles identified by Diana Baumrind?
- Authoritarian
- Permissive
- Authoritative
These styles are characterized by different levels of control and warmth.
Describe the Authoritarian parenting style.
Higher control, lower warmth; values obedience and instills respect
Authoritarian parents often discourage affection and independence.
What characterizes Permissive parenting?
Warm and loving but with little control; rarely punishes or restricts
Permissive parents often allow children to make their own decisions.
Define Authoritative parenting.
Control with reasoning and warmth; supportive with clear boundaries
Authoritative parents engage in bi-directional communication with their children.
What was a significant finding from Baumrind’s 1971 study?
Classified parenting styles for ~ 75% of parents studied
The study included 134 parents of preschoolers.
What critique did Lewis (1981) provide regarding parenting styles?
Parenting styles reflect children, not parents
This suggests that parenting is influenced by the child’s behavior.
What dimensions of parenting style were identified by Darling & Steinberg?
- Acceptance/rejection
- Dominance/submission
- Emotional warmth/hostility
- Love/hostility
- Warmth/permissiveness
These dimensions reflect the qualities used to describe parenting styles across various studies.
Fill in the blank: Parenting styles have an _______ effect on child outcomes.
indirect
This means parenting styles influence practices but do not directly dictate outcomes.
True or False: Parenting practices have a direct effect on child outcomes.
True
Parenting practices are domain-specific and directly impact children’s development.
What remains unanswered in Darling & Steinberg’s study?
Whether and why influences of parenting vary across cultural contexts
This highlights the need for further research into cultural differences in parenting.
What are the three Authoritative dimensions
Connection Dimension (warmth and support);
Regulation Dimension (reasoning);
Autonomy Granting (democratic participation)
What are the three Authoritarian dimensions
Physical Coercion Dimension;
Verbal Hostility Dimension;
Non-Reasoning/Punitive Dimension
