PARENTING STYLE AND
ONSET OF CHILD
PSYCHOPATHOLOGY
PREPARED & PRESENTED
BY
RICHARD OPOKU ASARE
OUTLINE OF PRESENTATION
 INTRODUCTION
 AUTHORITARIAN PARENTING
 AUTHORITATIVE PARENTING
 PERMISSIVE PARENTING
 UNINVOLVED PARENTING
 DETERMINING A DISCIPLINE STRATEGY
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INTRODUCTION
The mental health of children depends on the way
parents interact with them. Though every parent
wishes to provide the best at home, they may not
be giving the best to their children as no full proof
method of bringing up children has been
invented. This is because no two children are
alike. There are more differences between
children than we ordinarily believe.
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INTRODUCTION – CONT’D
Moreover, culture, society, gender of the child
and a host of other factors interact with the
upbringing of children.
There are four different styles of parenting
depending on two factors. The factors are
parental warmth and parental control.
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A U T H O R I TA R I A N PA R E N T I N G
(HIGH ON CONTROL, LOW ON WARMTH )
Here, the child is expected to follow the rules – and failure leads
to punishment, instead of consequences. There is no discussion
or explanation related to why the rules exist, and no negotiation
with children over rules. Instead, children are expected to obey,
right away, and without questioning their parents. Children raised
by authoritarian parents are typically compliant, reliable and are
obedient and proficient.
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A U T H O R I TA R I A N PA R E N T I N G
(HIGH ON CONTROL, LOW ON WARMTH )
However, some parents believe that being strict with
children is the best way to make them good adults. In
that process parents tend to become over strict. They
forget that every child has a natural tendency to grow
into freedom and autonomy. Children should become
free, independent and autonomous.
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A U T H O R I TA R I A N PA R E N T I N G
(HIGH ON CONTROL, LOW ON WARMTH )
A fully developed personality manifests freedom from
unnecessary inhibitions. It also ensures high level of
independence and autonomy. In the present
competitive world a child should be self-confident. This
is achieved only through parental support.
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A U T H O R I TA R I A N PA R E N T I N G
(HIGH ON CONTROL, LOW ON WARMTH )
 In terms of personality
Over strictness kills the spirit of freedom. Children get the wrong idea that
being free and independent is undesirable. In a situation where parents
employ only strictness and control and no love, children lose their
individuality and fail to take appropriate decisions in their life as the
parents have always taken the decisions. Children of authoritarian parents
do not become independent and develop severe anxiety under situations
that demand decision-making. They often suffer from depression.
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A U T H O R I TA R I A N PA R E N T I N G
(HIGH ON CONTROL, LOW ON WARMTH )
Sometimes children become hostile or aggressive as they may focus
more on being angry at their parents for the punishment rather than
learning how to make decisions and solve-problems. They tend to play
secondary roles in all their activities, making them less socially
competent with low self-esteem. Such children fail to become leaders.
There is always the possibility that they feel inferior to others in all
respects. In effect such children can never achieve the expected goals
of life.
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A U T H O R I TA T I V E PA R E N T I N G
(HIGH ON CONTROL, HIGH ON WARMTH )
The best parenting style is the one with good control and adequate love.
Authoritative parents establish rules and guidelines for their children.
Parents willingly provide explanations, listen to children’s questions, and
occasionally negotiate a compromise. Thus, authoritative parents tend to
use consequences, instead of punishments. Parents, over here, are less
harsh, and more understanding and forgiving when children fail to meet
their expectations. These parents do not set out to raise submissive,
obedient individuals.
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A U T H O R I TA T I V E PA R E N T I N G
(HIGH ON CONTROL, HIGH ON WARMTH)
Rather, they want their children to be responsible, appropriately
assertive, self-regulating and co-operative individuals.
Parents in this category clearly differentiate the ‘child’ from his
‘actions’. They differentiate between the child as a person on the one
hand and the child’s behaviours on the other hand. They also reward
children for desirable behaviours and punish or withdraw rewards for
undesirable actions. These parents are consistent in their behaviour
with children.
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A U T H O R I TA T I V E PA R E N T I N G
(HIGH ON CONTROL, HIGH ON WARMTH)
They do not confuse children by punishing them for one kind of
behaviour and rewarding them for the same behaviour on a later
date. Children understand consistency much easily than erratic
behaviour. By this the child gets the clear idea that parents
disapprove one or two actions of him and do not outrightly reject
him. This is very important as outright rejection by parents brings
in the greatest insecurity.
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A U T H O R I TA T I V E PA R E N T I N G
(HIGH ON CONTROL, HIGH ON WARMTH)
Authoritative parents often tell children the reasons for the rules and
they are more willing to consider a child’s feelings when setting limits.
They use more of positive consequences to reinforce good behaviours
and may be more willing to use reward systems and praise. The most
important point here is that a child when punished for his behaviour
understands that parents still love him as a person. The opposite of
this is an action from the parents that amounts to total rejection of the
child.
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A U T H O R I TA T I V E PA R E N T I N G
(HIGH ON CONTROL, HIGH ON WARMTH)
Children raised with authoritative discipline tend to be
happy and successful in life. They are often good at making
decisions and evaluating safety risks on their own. They
often grow up to be responsible adults who feel comfortable
expressing their opinions. They are also generally, confident,
capable, competent, and socially well-adjusted.
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A U T H O R I TA T I V E PA R E N T I N G
(HIGH ON CONTROL, HIGH ON WARMTH)
 In terms of personality
When a child feels that the parents reject him totally the child
experiences intense loneliness and misery. This can lower the selfesteem of the child and drive him to self-mutilation, aggression and
even suicide. That is to say children can also become severely
depressed, as depression is aggression turned to oneself.
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P E R M I S S I V E PA R E N T I N G
(LOW ON CONTROL, HIGH ON WARMTH)
These are also described as indulgent parents. They make few
demands on their children, rarely discipline their children, and don’t
require their children to be responsible and self-controlled. They tend
to be lenient and may only step in when there is a serious problem.
They are often very high in nurturing and treat their children more
like friends. They may encourage their children to talk with them
about their problems but may not discourage a lot of bad behaviours.
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P E R M I S S I V E PA R E N T I N G
(LOW ON CONTROL, HIGH ON WARMTH)
Permissive parents show lots of love without exercising adequate control.
In fact punishment of all types is avoided under the misconception that
punishment is bad for the development of the child. Parents need to
understand that children need proportionate punishment depending on
their actions. Reward and punishment are the only two ways to make the
child discriminate between what is right and what is wrong. Values of the
culture are imbibed through the punishment and reward given by the
parents. Children need to be punished if situation demands it.
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P E R M I S S I V E PA R E N T I N G
(LOW ON CONTROL, HIGH ON WARMTH)
The common fault is that on the one side many parents indulge in
inconsistent punishment. A child is reprimanded for his wrong
doings on one occasion and praised or ignored for the same action
when it occurs again. This confuses the child and such behaviours
by parents are objected to and should not be encouraged. On the
other side parents do not punish or disagree with the child even if
punishment is required.
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P E R M I S S I V E PA R E N T I N G
(LOW ON CONTROL, HIGH ON WARMTH)
It is opined that parents can always punish or disagree with the
action(s) or behaviour(s) of the child but should not disapprove
the child as s/he is. The motto is accept and love the child but
reject and punish the specific action of the child. This conveys to
the child the feeling that parents do love him/her but disapproves
the action or behaviour only.
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P E R M I S S I V E PA R E N T I N G
(LOW ON CONTROL, HIGH ON WARMTH)
 In terms of personality
Children raised by permissive parenting are often unhappy adults.
They often have low self-esteem and may report a lot of sadness. They
have poorer self-regulation and self-control, many experience
problems with authority by not appreciating rules, and they tend to
struggle academically by performing poorly in school, and then the
work place. These children are likely to become spoiled and would
manifest antisocial and criminal behaviour patterns.
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U N I N V O L V E D PA R E N T I N G
(LOW ON CONTROL, LOW ON WARMTH)
This type of parenting style is also called negligent parenting.
Uninvolved parenting makes few demands, rarely communicates,
and is generally unresponsiveness to the needs of their children.
Uninvolved parents tend to be neglectful. Although the child’s
essential needs are cared for, their emotional needs are neglected
so the child often feels rejected and unloved.
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U N I N V O L V E D PA R E N T I N G
(LOW ON CONTROL, LOW ON WARMTH)
Uninvolved parents often do not meet their children’s basic needs
and may expect children to raise themselves, having little
knowledge of what their children are doing. These parents may
also lack knowledge about parenting and child development or may
feel overwhelmed by life’s other problems. There tends to be few, if
any, rules or expectations. Children may not receive any nurturing
or guidance and they lack the much need parental attention.
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U N I N V O L V E D PA R E N T I N G
(LOW ON CONTROL, LOW ON WARMTH)
We all need to appreciate the fact that children cannot
grow in an emotional vacuum. If the parents do not
show any love, life becomes barren to the child.
Children are naturally emotional than rational. True
development of personality is a harmonious blending
of the rational and the emotional.
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U N I N V O L V E D PA R E N T I N G
(LOW ON CONTROL, LOW ON WARMTH)
The art of this amalgamation takes place only if parents are
able to show love and control in the right proportion.
Children are creatures of instincts and circumstances. Thus
they are basically impulsive. When parents control the
behaviour of children they come to understand that
exercising control is absolutely necessary to have a smooth
social life.
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U N I N V O L V E D PA R E N T I N G
(LOW ON CONTROL, LOW ON WARMTH)
So also children need to be loved. The hug of the mother when a child
is under fear reassures the child. Body contact between the mother and
the child is the first sure indicator of love to the child. As the child
grows, words of reassurance would become sufficient. Needless to say
that expression of love in some form is an absolute must for the
healthy development of the child. It is obvious that love and control in
the right proportion is the surest way to healthy development. In the
absence of these, the personality of children gets distorted.
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U N I N V O L V E D PA R E N T I N G
(LOW ON CONTROL, LOW ON WARMTH)
 In terms of personality
Children raised by uninvolved parents have the worst outcome
– in all areas of life (emotional wellbeing, life satisfaction,
success in relationship, success at school and work, etc.). Many
lack self-control, the majority have low self-esteem, and they
tend to be less competent in social and practical life situations.
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U N I N V O L V E D PA R E N T I N G
(LOW ON CONTROL, LOW ON WARMTH)
Emotionally deprived children cannot become good
partners in their marital life as life between two
individuals is successfully mediated through the emotion
of love. When parents are uninvolved, children tend to
perform poorly academically. They also exhibit frequent
behaviour problems and rank low in happiness.
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DETERMINING A DISCIPLINE STRATEGY
Sometimes parents don’t fit into just one
category. There may be times they are more
authoritarian and times that they tend to be more
authoritative and their discipline strategies may
vary from child to child.
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DETERMINING A DISCIPLINE STRATEGY
When determining a discipline strategy, it is important
to think about what it is that you want your child to learn.
Effective discipline strategies can teach children to
become responsible adults who are able to make healthy
decisions on their own. Parenting without control and
love is not desirable.
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END OF LECTURE
THANK
YOU
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BIBLIOGRAPHY
 Morin, A. (2013). Learn how each parenting style impacts children. Available at
http://discipline.about.com/od/typesofdiscipline/a/Types-Of-
Discipline-Strategies-And-Parenting-Styles.htm (accessed September 05, 2013)
 Plotnik, R. & Kouyoumdjian, H. (2010). Introduction to Psychology. Belmont,
CA: Wadsworth Publishing.
 Sreedhar, K. P. (2013). Parenting and child mental health. Available at
http://www.psychology4all.com/parenting.htm (accessed September
05, 2013)
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ABOUT THE PRESENTER
Richard Opoku Asare
 MPhil (Comm. Health & Dev’t), UDS, Tamale, Ghana.
 MEd (Health Education – course work), BEd (Hons)(Health Sciences), UCC,
Cape Coast, Ghana.
 RN(Dip) RMN, NTC, Pantang, Accra, Ghana.
 Cert.Ed, Akrokerri College of Education, Ghana.
 Dip. Mental Health, Alison, Ireland.
 Deputy Chief Health Tutor, College of Nursing, Ntotroso, Ahafo, Ghana.
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