Question 1
Describe and distinguish among Baumrind's parenting styles in terms of parents' emotional warmth, control, communication style, and expectations of maturity. For each style, describe the outcomes that can be expected for children and how this might differ across cultures.Question 2
Define the term resilience as it relates to protective and risk factors. Choose three family stressors and describe some of the major protective factors that can alleviate the negative effects of these stressors on children's development.Answer 1
Suggested Responses: Students should both define the four parenting styles (authoritative, authoritarian, permissive-neglectful and permissive-indulgent) and describe the expected outcomes, as discussed in Table 18.1. They should also describe the more positive effect that the authoritarian parenting style can have on African American children and children of other historically oppressed groups. Students should point out that the more positive outcomes result primarily as the result of cultural expectations and interpretations of the parenting behaviors. They should note that this successful authoritarian parenting style involves a high degree of both warmth and control, and low parental hostility.Answer 2
Suggested Responses: Students should define resilience as a psychological state in which a child and family possess a range of protective factors that help them cope with, and offset, the negative effects of risk factors that arise in their lives as a result of major stressors. Students should describe the specific role of protective factors in the cases of divorce, substance abuse/addiction, and homelessness. In the case of divorce, a secure attachment to parents, relative family harmony, continued contact with the absent parent, and a supportive school and teacher are particularly protective. In some cases, children who are younger and have more easy-going temperaments may gain additional protection from damage. Parents who are psychologically stable also help alleviate negative effects. In the case of addiction or substance abuse, one supportive parent, a warm and responsive teacher, or intervention from a community agency can alleviate resulting insecurity. In the case of homelessness, secure attachment to a parent, good interpersonal skills, and the opportunity to attend school can all serve as protective factors.