The Application of Transformational Leadership Theory to Parenting: Questionnaire Development and Implications for Adolescent Self-Regulatory Efficacy and Life Satisfaction

Abstract

We draw upon transformational leadership theory to develop an instrument to measure transformational parenting for use with adolescents. First, potential items were generated that were developmentally appropriate and evidence for content validity was provided through the use of focus groups with parents and adolescents. We subsequently provide evidence for several aspects of construct validity of measures derived from the Transformational Parenting Questionnaire (TPQ). Data were collected from 857 adolescents (M(age) = 14.70 years), who rated the behaviors of their mothers and fathers. The results provided support for a second-order measurement model of transformational parenting. In addition, positive relationships between mothers' and fathers' transformational parenting behaviors, adolescents' self-regulatory efficacy for physical activity and healthy eating, and life satisfaction were found. The results of this research support the application of transformational leadership theory to parenting behaviors, as well as the construct validity of measures derived from the TPQ.

“Go Girls!”: psychological and behavioral outcomes associated with a group-based healthy lifestyle program for adolescent girls

“…Self-regulatory efficacy for healthy eating-Participants' confidence to engage in healthy eating was measured using a version modified for youth [32] of the questionnaire developed by Strachan and Brawley [33]. Participants were asked to rate their confidence to engage in five self-regulatory behaviors that could help them eat healthfully over the next week.…”

Family dynamics and intergenerational entrepreneurs’ leadership style

“…It is also argued that entrepreneur leaders who grew up in a single family home structure tend to adopt a commandand control leadership approach at work. Previous studies have argued that parenting roles and managerial roles require similar behaviours, which can lead individuals to behave similarly within those roles (Morton et al, 2011;Popper & Mayseless, 2003).…”

“…Since authoritative parental style enhances their children to engage more in conversational process and find consensus, entrepreneur leaders raised in such families will tend to impose less control over the business. This could explain why parents who demonstrate an authoritative parental style at home are more likely to engage towards transformational leadership at work as demonstrated in the studies of Morton et al (2011) and Jex & Britt, (2008).…”

“…Morton et al (2011) found that parents' engagement in transformational leadership behaviors was associated with heightened self-regulation, self-efficacy, and life satisfaction among their adolescents. These outcomes are similar to the organizational outcomes of transformational leadership behaviors exhibited by managers.…”

“…In another study, Morton et al (2011) have used transformational leadership theory to develop a "transformational parenting" questionnaire that adolescents used to rate their parents. Morton et al (2011) found that parents' engagement in transformational leadership behaviors was associated with heightened self-regulation, self-efficacy, and life satisfaction among their adolescents.…”