Parental Control in Latino Families: An Integrated Review of the Literature

Abstract

Using social information processing and cultural change models as explanatory frameworks, this article reviews the literature on Latino parental control and its implications for child development. It is argued that the use of parental control in Latino families may have motivational roots in cultural childrearing goals such as familismo (familism), respeto (respect), and educación (moral education). Consideration of these underpinnings, in conjunction with psychological and methodological issues, helps to explain variability in the use of Latino parental control and its effect on child development. Recommendations for future research include refinement of control and acculturation instruments, and attention to both contextual and individual variables.

Advancing Our Knowledge of ADHD in Latino Children: Psychometric and Cultural Properties of Spanish-Versions of Parental/Family Functioning Measures

“…In comparison, parents who develop strong associations with mainstream Anglo views tend to value independence and autonomous behavior over the closeness of the family and place less emphasis on rigid discipline and hierarchy among family members (Fuligni 1998;Okagaki and Sternberg 1993). While the Anglo values of independence and autonomy may lead to some aspects of positive child adjustment, they also may lead to poorer parental monitoring and more inconsistent discipline relative to the rigid discipline and family hierarchy seen in families who remain loyal to traditional Latino values (Halgunseth et al 2006). Additionally, Anglo-oriented families often experience acculturation stress, which may lead to more conflict and chaos within the family (Miranda et al 2006;Miranda et al 2000;Smokowski et al 2007).…”

“…For example, parents who remain loyal to Latino values, such as "familism" and "respeto" tend to emphasize the closeness of the family, as well as structured rules and boundaries (Miranda et al 2006;Miranda et al 2000;Rodriguez et al 2007). These parents also keep discipline strategies consistent and often favor spanking and other forms of corporal punishment (see Halgunseth et al 2006 for a review; Monzo and Rueda 2006). In comparison, parents who develop strong associations with mainstream Anglo views tend to value independence and autonomous behavior over the closeness of the family and place less emphasis on rigid discipline and hierarchy among family members (Fuligni 1998;Okagaki and Sternberg 1993).…”

“…Similarly, examination of the items on the Inconsistent Discipline subscale reveals that the scale inquires about consistency in giving and enforcing discipline strategies, such as time out and removal of privileges. While these are common discipline strategies in European American families (Regalado et al 2004), Latino families are much more likely to use discipline strategies that involve corporal punishment, such as spanking (see Halgunseth et al 2006 for a review; Monzo and Rueda 2006). Future work is clearly needed, but it is possible that the items that make up the Poor Monitoring/Supervision and Inconsistent Discipline scales of the APQ Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology, Vol 39, No.…”

School violence: Subjective theories of academic advisory board members from six chilean schools

“…In Spanish the word educar is more comprehensive than the English verb "to educate" in the sense that the former not only refers to class instruction but also to moral and values education (Halgunseth, Ispa, & Rudy, 2006). cyber bullying (TP 1 37), they seem to definitively know it is affecting students, making it more imperative for them to intervene.…”

Psychologically Controlling Parenting and Personality Vulnerability to Depression: A Study in Peruvian Late Adolescents

“…Research on effects of psychological control in Latin America is scarce (Halgunseth et al 2006). To understand the consequences of psychologically controlling parenting in Latin America, more research is needed.…”