The effects of parenting style on moral and emotional development

Parenting styles play an essential role in the moral and emotional development of children. The emotional and moral development of children is critical as it determines the future behavior and personality of individuals. The various parenting styles have different effects on the moral and emotional development of children. This paper explores the effects of parenting style on moral and emotional development, drawing from relevant scholarly sources.

Parenting styles

Parenting styles refer to the strategies and behaviors parents employ in raising their children. According to Baumrind (1971), there are three primary parenting styles: authoritative, authoritarian, and permissive. The parenting style chosen by a parent influences the child's development and shapes the child's personality.

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Authoritative Parenting Style

The authoritative parenting style is characterized by warmth, love, and high expectations. Parents who use this style tend to set rules and guidelines for their children but also provide explanations for their decisions. According to Karavasilis, Doyle, and Markiewicz (2003), children raised under authoritative parenting styles tend to have higher levels of emotional and social competence, self-reliance, and self-esteem.

Additionally, they tend to have better academic performance and are more capable of handling peer pressure (Baumrind, 1991). In terms of moral development, these children tend to have better moral reasoning abilities and higher levels of prosocial behavior (Grusec & Goodnow, 1994).

Authoritarian Parenting Style

The authoritarian parenting style is characterized by strict rules and high expectations, with little room for flexibility. Parents who employ this style tend to be less affectionate and may use punishment as a form of discipline. Research indicates that children raised under authoritarian parenting styles tend to have lower levels of self-esteem, social competence, and academic performance (Baumrind, 1971; Lamborn, Mounts, Steinberg, & Dornbusch, 1991).

Moreover, they are more likely to have behavioral problems such as aggression, anxiety, and depression (Barber, Olsen, & Shagle, 1994). In terms of moral development, these children tend to have less developed moral reasoning abilities and are less likely to exhibit prosocial behavior (Grusec & Goodnow, 1994).

Permissive Parenting Style

The permissive parenting style is characterized by few rules and little structure, with parents being highly responsive to their children's needs. Parents who employ this style tend to be warm and affectionate but may have low expectations for their children's behavior. Children raised under permissive parenting styles tend to have lower levels of self-control, self-reliance, and social competence (Baumrind, 1991; Karavasilis et al., 2003).

Moreover, they tend to have poorer academic performance and are more likely to have behavioral problems (Barber et al., 1994). In terms of moral development, these children tend to have less developed moral reasoning abilities and are less likely to exhibit prosocial behavior (Grusec & Goodnow, 1994).

Effects of parenting styles on moral development

Moral development refers to the process by which individuals acquire values, beliefs, and principles that guide their behavior. According to Kohlberg's theory of moral development, individuals progress through different stages of moral reasoning as they mature (Kohlberg, 1984).

Research indicates that authoritative parenting styles promote higher levels of moral reasoning abilities compared to authoritarian and permissive parenting styles. Children raised under authoritative parenting styles tend to have a better understanding of the principles of justice, fairness, and reciprocity (Grolnick & Ryan, 1989). Additionally, they are more likely to exhibit prosocial behaviors such as empathy, kindness, and cooperation (Grusec & Goodnow, 1994).

On the other hand, authoritarian parenting styles have been associated with lower levels of moral reasoning abilities and an emphasis on obedience and conformity rather than independent moral reasoning (Grolnick & Ryan, 1989). Children raised under authoritarian parenting styles may exhibit less empathy and less concern for the needs and feelings of others (Baumrind, 1971).

Permissive parenting styles, characterized by low levels of control and high levels of warmth, have also been linked to lower levels of moral reasoning abilities (Grolnick & Ryan, 1989). Children raised under permissive parenting styles may have difficulty understanding and following rules and may lack self-discipline and the ability to delay gratification (Baumrind, 1971).

It is important to note that parenting styles are not static and may change over time as parents adapt to their children's developmental needs and changing circumstances. Additionally, the effects of parenting styles on moral development may vary depending on individual and cultural factors.

Implications for practice

The effects of parenting styles on moral and emotional development have significant implications for parents, educators, and mental health professionals. For parents, understanding the impact of their parenting style on their children's development can help them make informed decisions about how they raise their children.

Educators can use this information to tailor their teaching strategies to meet the needs of children with different parenting backgrounds. Mental health professionals can also use this information to provide targeted interventions for children who may be struggling with emotional or behavioral issues.

Conclusion

Parenting styles have a significant impact on the moral and emotional development of children. Authoritative parenting styles tend to have the most positive effects, promoting higher levels of moral and emotional development. In contrast, authoritarian and permissive parenting styles tend to have negative effects, leading to lower levels of moral and emotional development. Understanding the impact of parenting styles on children's development can help parents, educators, and mental health professionals promote positive outcomes for children.

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References:

Baumrind, D. (1971). Current patterns of parental authority. Developmental Psychology, 4(1p2), 1-103.

Baumrind, D. (1991). The influence of parenting style on adolescent competence and substance use. Journal of Early Adolescence, 11(1), 56-95.

Barber, B. K., Olsen, J. E., & Shagle, S. C. (1994). Associations between parental psychological and behavioral control and youth internalized and externalized behaviors. Child Development, 65(4), 1120-1136.

Grolnick, W. S., & Ryan, R. M. (1989). Parent styles associated with children's self-regulation and competence in school. Journal of Educational Psychology, 81(2), 143-154.

Grusec, J. E., & Goodnow, J. J. (1994). Impact of parental discipline methods on the child's internalization of values: A reconceptualization of current points of view. Developmental Psychology, 30(1), 4-19.

Kohlberg, L. (1984). Essays on moral development: The psychology of moral development. Harper & Row.

Karavasilis, L., Doyle, A. B., & Markiewicz, D. (2003). Associations between parenting style and attachment to mother in middle childhood and adolescence. International Journal of Behavioral Development, 27(2), 153-164.