The association between parenting styles, maternal self-efficacy, and social and emotional adjustment among Arab preschool children

Abstract

Parenting styles and parental self-efficacy are major factors that affect the overall adjustment of children. The current study examined parenting styles and maternal self-efficacy and their association with social-emotional adjustment among Arab preschool children living in Israel. Parenting Styles Questionnaire, Maternal Self-Efficacy Questionnaire, and Adjustment Questionnaire were administered to 420 Arabic-speaking mothers of 3- to 4-year-old children. After employing multiple regression analyses, the results indicated that parenting styles and the overall adjustment of children were significantly correlated. More precisely, a significant association between authoritative parenting style and higher levels of social-emotional adjustment among preschool children was found. Furthermore, maternal self-efficacy was significantly correlated to the overall adjustment of children. In this regard, higher maternal self-efficacy is associated with increased social-emotional adjustment among preschool children. The findings of our study show the applicability of these constructs found relevant across numerous cultures in a unique sample of Arab children living in Israel. Lastly, this study supports intervention programs that promote authoritative parenting style and parental self-efficacy in Arab communities.

The impact of parenting practices and family economy on psychological wellbeing and learning patterns in higher education students

“…Another group of studies focuses on three basic parenting styles: authoritarian, permissive, and democratic. The democratic style, along with high levels of affection and support, and the promotion of autonomy with clear limits (“authoritative” style), appears as the most positive for a child’s secure development and good self-esteem (Agbaria & Mahamid, 2023 ; Gómez et al, 2015 ; Maccoby, 1992 ; Molina et al, 2017 ), preventing the development of cognitive, emotional, and behavioral problems (Cortés et al, 2014 ; Jaureguizar et al, 2018 ) and difficulties in academic performance and coexistence in the school (Fuentes et al, 2015 ; Gómez et al, 2014 ). The other parenting styles may increase the risk of anxious-ambivalent, disorganized, or avoidant attachment, leading to more vulnerability to anxiety and depression (Franco et al, 2014 ), traits that may affect academic performance, even at university levels (Gandarillas, 2022 ).…”

Effect of Adverse Childhood Experiences, Parenting Styles, and Family Accommodation on Patients Diagnosed with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

“… 22 Negative perfectionism plays a mediating role between a negative parenting style and obsessive-compulsive symptoms in college students, 23 and an authoritative parenting style is closely related to higher levels of social–emotional adjustment in preschool children. 24 In fact, responsive parenting styles have been shown to positively impact and reduce adolescent bullying behaviors. 25 Furthermore, a significant correlation between hostile/coercive parenting style and the externalization of children’s problems has been demonstrated in autism spectrum disorder.…”