Literature Review The Impact of Parenting
Styles on Child Behavior
Parenting styles and dimensions have been extensively studied in relation to child behavior
and emotional well-being. This literature review aims to synthesize and integrate various
research findings on the impact of parenting styles on child behavior and to identify potential
future research directions.
Pinquart (2017) conducted a meta-analysis to examine the associations of parenting
dimensions and styles with externalizing problems of children and adolescents. The study
found that harsh control, psychological control, authoritarian, permissive, and neglectful
parenting were associated with higher levels of externalizing problems in children and
adolescents.
Furthermore, Pinquart (2017) also investigated the associations of parenting dimensions and
styles with internalizing symptoms in children and adolescents. The study revealed that harsh
control, psychological control, authoritarian, and, in part, neglectful parenting were
associated with higher levels of internalizing symptoms in children and adolescents.
In a review by Vollmer and Mobley (2013), the influence of parenting styles and feeding
styles on child obesogenic behaviors and body weight was discussed. However, the specific
findings were not available.
Another meta-analysis by Pinquart and Kauser (2018) explored the associations of parenting
styles with behavior problems and academic achievement across different cultures. The study
found that authoritative parenting was associated with at least one positive child outcome,
while authoritarian parenting was associated with at least one negative outcome in all regions
of the globe, with some regional variation.
Moreover, Gardner, Montgomery, and Knerr (2016) conducted a systematic review and metaanalysis to investigate the transportation of evidence-based parenting programs for child
problem behavior between countries. The study identified a chain of effects, derived from
parents’ perceived distress and emotional response to the COVID-19 crisis, via parenting
distress and specific parenting practices, influencing child adjustment.
Furthermore, Pinquart (2016) examined the associations of parenting styles and dimensions
with academic achievement in children and adolescents. The study highlighted that parents'
behaviors, particularly their emotion socialization behaviors (ESBs), drive children's emotion
socialization.
Knowledge Gaps and Future Research Directions
While the existing literature provides valuable insights into the impact of parenting styles on
child behavior, there are several knowledge gaps and potential future research directions that
warrant further investigation. Firstly, the specific mechanisms through which different
parenting styles influence child behavior need to be elucidated. For example, the underlying
factors contributing to the associations between harsh control, psychological control, and
authoritarian parenting with externalizing and internalizing problems require further
exploration.
Additionally, the interplay between parenting styles and cultural factors in shaping child
behavior and emotional well-being remains an important area for future research. Pinquart
and Kauser (2018) highlighted some regional variations in the associations of parenting styles
with child outcomes, suggesting the need for more comprehensive cross-cultural studies to
understand the nuances of these associations across different cultural contexts.
Furthermore, the long-term effects of parenting styles on child behavior and emotional
development need to be examined. Longitudinal studies that track the developmental
trajectories of children raised under different parenting styles can provide valuable insights
into the lasting impact of parenting on child outcomes.
In conclusion, the impact of parenting styles on child behavior is a complex and multifaceted
area of study. By addressing the existing knowledge gaps and pursuing future research
directions, scholars can further advance our understanding of how parenting styles shape
child behavior and emotional well-being, ultimately informing evidence-based interventions
and support for parents and children.
References:
1. Vollmer, R.., & Mobley, A.. (2013). Parenting styles, feeding styles, and their
influence on child obesogenic behaviors and body weight. A review. Appetite , 71 ,
232-241 . http://doi.org/10.1016/j.appet.2013.08.015
2. Ismaili, Esmeralda. (2015). Examining the Psychometric Properties of the Albanian
Version of the Parenting Styles and Dimensions Questionnaire (PSDQ). , 2 .
http://doi.org/10.6007/IJARP/V2-I1/1618
3. Pinquart, M.. (2017). Associations of Parenting Dimensions and Styles With
Externalizing Problems of Children and Adolescents: An Updated Meta-Analysis.
Developmental Psychology , 53 , 873–932 . http://doi.org/10.1037/dev0000295
4. Gardner, F.., Montgomery, P.., & Knerr, W.. (2016). Transporting Evidence-Based
Parenting Programs for Child Problem Behavior (Age 3–10) Between Countries:
Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Journal of Clinical Child & Adolescent
Psychology , 45 , 749 - 762 . http://doi.org/10.1080/15374416.2015.1015134
5. Pinquart, M.. (2017). Associations of Parenting Dimensions and Styles with
Internalizing Symptoms in Children and Adolescents: A Meta-Analysis. Marriage &
Family Review , 53 , 613 - 640 . http://doi.org/10.1080/01494929.2016.1247761
6. Pinquart, M.. (2016). Associations of Parenting Styles and Dimensions with
Academic Achievement in Children and Adolescents: A Meta-analysis. Educational
Psychology Review , 28 , 475-493 . http://doi.org/10.1007/S10648-015-9338-Y
7. Pinquart, M.., & Kauser, Rubina. (2018). Do the Associations of Parenting Styles
With Behavior Problems and Academic Achievement Vary by Culture? Results From
a Meta-Analysis. Cultural Diversity and Ethnic Minority Psychology , 24 , 75–100 .
http://doi.org/10.1037/cdp0000149