Parenting efficacy, aggressive parenting and cultural connections

Abstract

This paper describes an exploratory study examining parenting efficacy, behaviours related to child–parent conflict and cultural connection. Fifty‐four low‐income mothers from diverse cultural backgrounds responded to a questionnaire that included the Parental Locus of Control Scale, the Conflict Tactic Scale, and a composite scale measuring the degree that mothers were connected to their self‐identified culture. Non‐parametric statistical measures were used to analyse study data. Results indicate differences between ‘high’ and ‘low’ culturally connected mothers on parenting measures. Mothers with ‘high’ cultural connection were less aggressive parents and felt more responsible for their child’s behaviour.

Acculturation and adjustment among immigrant Chinese parents: Mediating role of parenting efficacy.

“…Consistently, among a multiethnic sample of mothers in the United States, Ortega (2001) found that mothers who reported higher levels of ethnic cultural connection also felt more in control of their children's behavior, did not feel as though their children dominated their lives, and were less likely to resolve conflicts through the use of harsh parenting methods such as spanking. Consistent with the predictions of self-efficacy theory, these parenting mastery experiences built strong feelings of parenting efficacy.…”

“…Higher orientation toward the ethnic Chinese culture is also expected to relate to stronger feelings of parenting efficacy because these parents enjoy support and understanding from their ethnic community about the challenges and opportunities of raising children in a new cultural context, contributing to more mastery experiences in the parenting role. Consistently, among a multiethnic sample of mothers in the United States, Ortega (2001) found that mothers who reported higher levels of ethnic cultural connection also felt more in control of their children's behavior, did not feel as though their children dominated their lives, and were less likely to resolve conflicts through the use of harsh parenting methods such as spanking. Consistent with the predictions of self-efficacy theory, these parenting mastery experiences built strong feelings of parenting efficacy.…”

Stressful life events and perceived parental control in formerly homeless families: Impact on child-internalizing symptoms.

“…The PLOC is associated with parenting style (Pereira, Barros, Mendonça, & Muris, 2014) and self-regulation in the context of parenting (Sanders & Mazzucchelli, 2013). It also has good validity across different income levels, which reflects a defining characteristic of homelessness (Campis et al, 1986) and diverse cultural backgrounds (Ortega, 2001).…”