The William & Mary Educational Review

Volume 2 Issue 1 Article 14

12-1-2013

How Parenting Style Influences Children: A Review of Controlling, Guiding, and Permitting Parenting Styles on Children’s Behavior, Risk- Taking, Mental Health, and Academic Achievement

Clare Merlin College of William and Mary

Justine Rebecca Okerson College of William and Mary - School of Education

Phillip Hess The College of William & Mary

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Recommended Citation Merlin, Clare; Okerson, Justine Rebecca; and Hess, Phillip (2013) "How Parenting Style Influences Children: A Review of Controlling, Guiding, and Permitting Parenting Styles on Children’s Behavior, Risk- Taking, Mental Health, and Academic Achievement," The William & Mary Educational Review: Vol. 2 : Iss. 1 , Article 14. Available at: https://scholarworks.wm.edu/wmer/vol2/iss1/14

This Articles is brought to you for free and open access by the Journals at W&M ScholarWorks. It has been accepted for inclusion in The William & Mary Educational Review by an authorized editor of W&M ScholarWorks. For more information, please contact [email protected]. 32 The William & Mary Educational Review

How Parenting Style Influences Children: A Review of Controlling, Guiding, and Permitting Parenting Styles on Children’s Behavior, Risk- Taking, Mental Health, and Academic Achievement Clare Merlin Justine Okerson Philip Hess

Abstract

Across cultures, parenting styles fall into three categories based on levels of demandingness and responsiveness. This literature review examines three categories of parenting styles and their influence on children’s behavior, risk-taking, mental health, and academic achievement. Controlling parents are high on demandingness and low on responsiveness (Baumrind, 1991; Kim, in press). Guiding parents are high on demandingness and high on responsiveness (Baumrind, 1991; Kim, in press). Permitting parents are low on demandingness and low on responsiveness (Baumrind, 1991; Kim, in press). Based on positive and negative effects of each parenting style, this review concludes that the guiding parenting style is the most effective for children. Implications for parents include recognizing the need to provide both support and structure for children.

Keywords: authoritarianparenting, authoritative parenting,controlling parenting, guiding parenting, parenting styles, permissive parenting

Recently a renewed interest regarding academic achievement (Baumrind, 1971; Chen, parenting styles has stimulated discussion over Dong, & Zhou, 1997; Ishak, Low, & Lau, 2012; the best methods of parenting across all Trinkner, Cohn, Rebellon, & Van Gundy, 2012). cultures (Taub, 2008). Headlines regarding Baumrind (1971) introduced three parenting styles “helicopter parents” (those who hover over as patterns of parental authority: authoritarian, their children) and “snow plow parents” (those authoritative, and permissive parenting. These who push obstacles out of their children’s way) parenting styles are differentiated from one highlight this renewed conversation on how another based on their levels of demandingness best to parent. What journalists and writers and responsiveness to children (Baumrind, 1991; may have forgotten is that more than four Martinez & Garcia, 2008; Ishak et al., 2012). decades worth of research on parenting styles Demandingness is the extent to which parents demonstrates the effects each style has on exert control, power, and supervision over their outcomes for children (Baumrind, 1971; Taub, children, as well as set limits on their children 2008). At a time when parents are seeking the (Baumrind, 1991; Martinez & Garcia, 2008). most effective ways to be involved in the Responsiveness is the extent to which parents education of their children, examining their show their children affective warmth and parenting styles and promoting guiding acceptance, give support, and reason with them parenting is warranted. (Baumrind, 1991; Martinez & Garcia, 2008). Parenting styles affect children in the areas For the purposes of this study, the parenting of behavior, risk-taking, mental health, and styles will be called controlling (authoritarian), Influence of Parenting Styles 33

punishments that result from controlling parenting make it potentially damaging for children.

Guiding Parenting Guiding parenting, also known as authoritative parenting, is characterized by a high level of demandingness and a high level of responsiveness (Baumrind, 1991; Ishak et Figure 1. Parenting styles differentiated by level of demandingness al., 2012; Kim, in press; Luyckx et al., 2011; and responsiveness. Miller et al., 2012). Guiding parenting uses a mixture of controlling – but not restrictive – guiding (authoritative), and permitting (permissive) practices, with positive encouragement for (Kim, in press). Controlling parents are high on autonomy and independence towards children demandingness and low on responsiveness, guiding (Baumrind, 1971). Guiding parents recognize parents are high on demandingness and high on and nurture the uniqueness of their children responsiveness, and permitting parents are low on (Ishak et al., 2012) and are accepting of their demandingness and low on responsiveness children (Bronte-Tinkew, Moore, & Carrano, (Baumrind, 1991; Martinez & Garcia, 2008). These 2006; Miller et al., 2012). Guiding parents differences are illustrated in Figure 1. discourage emotional dependency and infantile behavior (Baumrind, 1971). They provide Although past studies have indicated the rewards for positive behaviors and use guiding parenting style is the most effective discipline without physical punishment to curb parenting style, research has neglected to describe delinquent behavior (Hoeve et al., 2008; where the line is drawn between controlling Bronte-Tinkew et al., 2006). Although parenting and guiding parenting, and between controlling parents also assert direction over guiding parenting and permitting parenting their children’s behavior, guiding parents (Baumrind, 1971; Baumrind, 1991; Ishak et al., acknowledge their children’s feelings and 2012; Maccoby & Martin, 1983; Milevsky, explain the reasons for their directing Schlechter, Netter, & Keehn, 2007). behavior, such as setting rules and expectations; controlling parents do not Controlling Parenting (Baumrind, 1971). Controlling parenting, also known as authoritarian parenting, is characterized by a high Permitting Parenting level of demandingness and a low level of Permitting parenting, also known as responsiveness (Baumrind, 1991; Ishak et al., 2012; permissive parenting, is characterized by low Kim, in press; Luyckx et al., 2011; Miller, Lambert, levels of demandingness as well as low levels & Speirs Neumeister, 2012). Controlling parents of responsiveness (Baumrind, 1991; Ishak et are strict with their children and emphasize al., 2012; Kim, in press; Luyckx et al., 2011; discipline over nurturing (Miller et al., 2012), but Miller et al., 2012; Robinson, Mandleco, Olsen, are detached and unreceptive to their children’s & Hart, 1995). Permitting parenting is non- needs (Trinkner et al., 2012). They assert high controlling, non-demanding, and warm levels of control, set rules and restrictions (Baumrind, 1971). Permitting parents are (Baumrind, 1971; Chen et al., 1997; Greening, responsive to their children but not Stoppelbein, & Leubbe, 2010; Miller et al., 2012), demanding; they behave in a non-punitive and have high demands (Greening et al., 2010), and are affirmative manner toward their children rejecting of their children (Chen et al., 1997). (Baumrind, 1971; McKinney et al., 2011). Controlling parents enforce a structured Although permitting parents are accepting of environment with punitive and prohibitive their children, they exhibit little control over discipline (Baumrind, 1971; Chen et al., 1997; Ishak their children’s behavior (Baumrind, 1971; et al., 2012; Kang & Moore, 2011; McKinney, Robinson, et al., 1995) and give freedom to Milone, & Renk, 2011) and punishment (Chan & their children’s impulses, desires, and actions Chan, 2005). The harsh and often unwarranted (Baumrind, 1971; Miller et al., 2012). 34 The William & Mary Educational Review

Although permitting parents give considerable their children, neglecting parents are preoccupied with support to their children, the permitting their own problems and are disengaged from parental parents’ lack of control of their children responsibilities (Glasgow et al., 1997). The neglecting negates the benefits of their responsiveness. parenting style disadvantages children by not offering Research sometimes differentiates between them support or boundaries, while the guiding two types of permitting parenting: indulging parenting style offers both. parenting, when parents exhibit low levels of demandingness with high levels of Influence of Controlling Parents on Children responsiveness, and neglecting parenting, when Controlling parenting results in unfavorable parents engage in low levels of demandingness outcomes for children in the areas of behavior, risk- and low levels of responsiveness (Baumrind, taking, mental health, and academic achievement. 1991; Maccoby & Martin, 1983; Milevsky et al., 2007). Behavior Controlling parenting is related to less positive Indulging Parenting adjustment for children (McKinney et al., 2011). Indulging parents are tolerant, warm, and Children of controlling parents lack independence accepting; they exercise little authority, make compared to children with parents of other styles few demands behaviorally, and allow (Baumrind, 1971). Children with controlling parents considerable self-regulation by their children lack self-reliance and rely on authority figures to make (Glasgow, Dornbusch, Troyer, Steinberg, & their decisions for them, as children of controlling Ritter, 1997; Maccoby & Martin, 1983). parents are accustomed to having their parents make Indulging parents offer support to their most of their decisions (Chan & Chan, 2005; Kang & children with the absence of strict control Moore, 2011). As a result, children with controlling (Huver, Otten, de Vries, & Engels, 2010). parents are less likely to engage in exploratory They avoid confrontation and regard issues as behaviors or those that challenge them as compared to belonging to their children’s personal domain children with parents of other styles (Chan & Chan, (Jutengren & Palmerus, 2006). The indulging 2005). parenting style, although the more positive of Controlling parenting is also negatively associated the two permitting parenting styles, is too with peer acceptance (Chan & Chan, 2005), and focused on creating an amiable rapport sociability competence in children – the ability to use between parents and their children, and lacks social skills appropriately (Chen et al., 1997). the guidelines and enforcement necessary for Moreover, children with controlling parents are effective parenting. associated with lower sociability in general (Porter et al., 2005). In situations with a controlling context (such as Neglecting Parenting the military), children with controlling parents In a further extension of the Baumrind experience poorer adjustment and have lower levels of (1971) model, Maccoby and Martin (1983) coping ability adjusting to the controlling context added the neglecting parenting style as a (Mayseless, Scharf, & Sholt, 2003). subtype of permitting parenting, sometimes Children with controlling parents are positively referred to as rejecting parenting (Baumrind, associated with more frequent behavior problems than 1971). Also known as uninvolved parenting, children with parents of other styles (Chen et al., 1997; neglecting parenting represents a style of Greening et al., 2010; Tan, Camras, Deng, Zhang, & parenting that is low on both control and Lu, 2012). Controlling parenting is associated with affiliation, with low levels of demandingness increasing both externalizing and internalizing and responsiveness (Baumrind, 1991; Glasgow problems in children compared to other parenting et al., 1997; Maccoby & Martin, 1983; Rhee et styles (Gunnoe, Hetherington, & Reiss, 2006; Luyckx et al., 2006; Speirs Neumiester & Finch, 2006). al., 2011; Rinaldi & Howe, 2012). Externalizing Neglecting parents let their children have their behaviors are those dealing with aggression, attention way because they do not want to get involved problems, and hyperactivity, whereas internalizing (Jutengren & Palmerus, 2006), nor do they behaviors concern depression, withdrawal, and anxiety monitor, guide, or support their children (Kang & Moore, 2011; Rinaldi & Howe, 2012). This (Adalbjarnardottir & Hafsteinsson, 2001). increased aggression, decreased self-esteem, and Whereas indulging parents are committed to decreased sociability found in children of controlling Influence of Parenting Styles 35 parents provides conclusive evidence of the when appropriate, is negatively correlated with harmfulness of the controlling parenting style. children with controlling parents (Williams, Ciarrochi, & Heaven, 2012). Children with Risk-taking controlling parents are less capable of regulating The controlling parenting style also has negative their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors by effects on the level of risk-taking found in appropriately applying regulatory strategies children. Children with controlling parents are less (Williams et al., 2012). Their self-control and likely to view their parents as legitimate sources of self-regulation is worse than children with authority and are more likely to resist their parents’ guiding parents, which can lead to distress and attempts at socializing with them (Trinkner et al., psychopathology (Williams et al., 2012). 2012). Children with controlling parents are positively associated with delinquency, behavior Academic Achievement violating public laws (Trinkner et al., 2012), and There is conflicting research on the with increased substance use (Greening et al., association between academic achievement and 2010). Controlling parenting also predicts lower children with controlling parents (Chen et al., levels of social responsibility in children 1997; Greening et al., 2010; Ishak et al., 2012; (Baumrind, 1971; Gunnoe et al., 2006). Kang & Moore, 2011). Multiple studies found that children with controlling parents are more Mental health likely to be successful in school than children Controlling parenting has been correlated with parents of other styles (Chen et al., 1997; detrimentally with several dimensions of mental Ishak et al., 2012; Kang & Moore, 2011). health in children (Greening et al., 2010; Gunnoe Specifically, children with controlling parents et al., 2006; McKinney et al., 2011; Nguyen, 2008). score higher in core courses than children with Psychopathology is one of the dimensions parents of other parenting styles (Kang & positively correlated with controlling parenting Moore, 2011). Additionally, the controlling (Gunnoe et al., 2006). Children with controlling parenting style has been found to moderate the parents are also associated with lower self-esteem effect of academic self-concept (the attributes, than children with parents of other styles abilities, attitudes and values believed to define (Martinez & Garcia, 2008; Nguyen, 2008). oneself) on academic achievement in children Additionally, children with controlling (Ishak et al., 2012). Children with controlling parents are more likely to have depression than parents are also more decisive when making children with guiding parents (Nguyen, 2008). career decisions than children with parents of Suicidal ideation and suicidal behavior is also other styles (Cenkseven-Önder et al., 2010). increased in children with controlling parents This may be because controlling parents make (Greening et al., 2010). Poorer emotional their children’s career decisions for them adjustment, which includes self-esteem, depression, (Cenkseven-Önder et al., 2010). and anxiety, is more common in children with Other studies found that children of controlling parents (McKinney et al., 2011), and controlling parents do less well academically negative emotionality (negative features of (Steinberg, Lamborn, Darling, Mounts, & temperament) is higher in children with controlling Dornbusch, 1994). Baumrind (1971) found parents (Porter et al., 2005). Controlling parenting female children of controlling parents (though exacerbates the negative features of children’s not male children of controlling parents) are less temperaments because demanding parenting elicits likely to be achievement oriented than female negative emotions in children over time (Porter et children of guiding parents, but are not al., 2005). Children with controlling parents are associated with high or low levels of more discontent, withdrawn, and distrustful than competence. The controlling parenting style has children of other parenting styles (Baumrind, also been correlated with home environments 1971). Perfectionism – having excessively high less conducive to creativity because controlling standards – is also positively correlated with having parents are restrictive and reduce the controlling parents (Miller et al., 2012). independence of children (Miller et al., 2012). Psychological flexibility, the ability to adapt to Although there is conflicting research on the situational demands, shift perspectives, balance effects of controlling parenting on children’s competing needs, and change or maintain behavior academic achievement, the existence of research 36 The William & Mary Educational Review pointing to the negative consequences still and social difficulties (Chen et al., 1997). Guiding suggests that controlling parenting may be parents’ warmth and encouragement are linked to damaging to children in the context of children’s confidence and positive world outlook, academic achievement. which lead to positive behaviors with their peers Children with controlling parents are also and positive peer interactions (Chen et al., 1997). more extrinsically motivated than intrinsically Children of guiding parents also have more motivated when learning, meaning they are adaptive behaviors than children of controlling more motivated by external rewards than parents, such as better social skills and adaptability internal gratification (Chan & Chan, 2005; to situations (Rinaldi & Howe, 2012). Kang & Moore, 2011). Similarly, children of controlling parents are associated with a focus Risk-taking on performance goals (demonstrating their Children with guiding parents are less likely to abilities by outperforming others) more than participate in risky behaviors than children with learning goals (developing competence on a parents from other parenting styles (Bronte- task) (Chan & Chan, 2005). When children of Tinkew et al., 2006). Children with guiding parents guiding parents are extrinsically motivated, are also less likely to engage in substance abuse they are less likely to be successful and driven than children with controlling parents (Bronte- throughout their lives than students who are Tinkew et al., 2006). Specifically, research showed intrinsically motivated (Ghazi, Ali, Shahzad, & a connection between children’s first time Khan, 2010). substance abuse and fathers’ monitoring and awareness (Bronte-Tinkew et al., 2006). Father’s Influence of Guiding Parents on Children monitoring and supervision are examples of the Guiding parenting results in more positive types of strict behaviors associated with those of outcomes than other parenting styles guiding parenting and contribute to the low levels (Baumrind, 1971; Trinkner et al., 2012). These of risk-taking behavior found in children with positive outcomes are evident in behavior, guiding parents (Baumrind, 1971; Bronte-Tinkew risk-taking, mental health, and academic et al., 2006). This monitoring of children’s achievement. behavior is one example of why children of Behavior guiding parents engage in less risk-taking than the Guiding parenting has the most children of other parenting styles. advantageous effect on children’s behavior, Mental Health compared to other parenting styles. Guiding Nguyen (2008) found that children with guiding parenting is negatively correlated with parents demonstrate high levels of self-esteem, behavioral problems in children (Kaufmann et sense of self, independence, and confidence. al., 2000). In particular, guiding parents’ Additionally, guiding parenting is not associated children are negatively correlated with with children’s suicidal ideation or behavior externalizing problems, such as aggression, (Greening et al., 2010). The more parents invest in attention problems, and hyperactivity (Rinaldi being involved with their children, granting & Howe, 2012; Tan et al., 2012). Children of autonomy and creating structure, the more guiding parents are self-reliant and self- positively children perceive their own mental health controlled, which helps them avoid making and psychological development (Gray & Steinberg, impulsive decisions resulting in negative 1999). Children who are accepting of their parents behaviors (Baumrind, 1971; Trinkner et al., and psychologically mature are more receptive to 2012). Children with guiding parents are also their parents’ expectations (Gray & Steinberg, described as more adventurous than children 1999). Children of guiding parents demonstrate from other parenting styles (Baumrind, 1971; more positive mental health behaviors than Chan & Chan, 2005). children of other parenting styles. Chen et al. (1997) found that guiding parenting is related to social adjustment of Academic Achievement children, such as a positive association between Despite conflicting research regarding the guiding parenting and children’s peer effects of controlling parents on academic acceptance and social competence, and a achievement, research conclusively demonstrates negative association between guiding parenting the positive effects of guiding parents on academic Influence of Parenting Styles 37 achievement. Children with guiding parents Behavior perform better academically than children of Male children with permitting parents score other parenting styles (Dornbusch, Ritter, high on behavioral tendencies including hostility, Leiderman, Roberts, & Fraleigh, 1987; resistance, and dominance (Baumrind, 1971). Male Steinberg, Emen, & Mounts, 1989; Steinberg children with permitting parents lack social et al., 1994; Walker, 2008). Guiding parents responsibility and independence relative to male have a more positive impact on children’s children of controlling parents (Baumrind, 1971). academic achievement than permitting or Female children with permitting parents are more controlling parents (Dornbusch et al., 1987; resistive and less independent than female children Steinberg, Elmen, & Mounts, 1989; Steinberg of guiding parents (Baumrind, 1971). & Lamborn, 1992; Walker, 2008). Guiding In addition, children of permitting parents parenting improves academic self-concept, exhibit negative behavioral outcomes including which influences academic achievement in internalizing, externalizing, and attention problems children (Ishak et al., 2012). and disorders (Rinaldi & Howe, 2012). Children Steinberg et al. (1989) found children with of permitting parents are twice as likely to be guiding parents are more successful overweight compared with children of guiding academically due to guiding parents’ parents (Rhee et al., 2006). The permitting acceptance, psychological autonomy, and parenting style has negative effects on the behavior behavioral control. These students are more of children, including resistance, hostility, and lack engaged and, consequently, more successful in of social responsibility, that is not found with the school as a result of their parents’ involvement guiding parenting style (Baumrind, 1971; Rhee et in their education (Steinberg & Lamborn, al., 2006; Rinaldi & Howe, 2012). 1992). Guiding parents maintain a balance of involvement and granting autonomy in their Risk-taking children’s lives, which creates an environment Having a parent with an uninvolved or where children with guiding parents develop permissive parenting style is associated with the strong self-image and perform better risk of initial delinquent activity across a variety of academically than children of other parenting delinquent behaviors (Bronte-Tinkew et al., 2006). styles (Gray & Steinberg, 1999). Children with permitting parents are more likely to Lastly, children with guiding parents are engage in risk-taking behaviors including sexual more intrinsically motivated than extrinsically risk-taking and alcohol or drug experimentation motivated (Chan & Chan, 2005; Kang & (Adalbjarnardottir & Hafsteinsson, 2001; Huebner Moore, 2011). Children with guiding parents & Howell, 2003; Patock-Peckham, & Morgan- are more motivated by internal gratification Lopez, 2006). The permitting parenting style than external rewards (Chan & Chan, 2005). increases impulsiveness, decreases personal control, When children of guiding parents are and increases both alcohol use and alcohol-related internally motivated, these children see goals as problems for children, which is not found in the attainable and as a result are more likely to be guiding parenting style (Patock-Peckham, & successful and driven throughout their lives Morgan-Lopez, 2006). than students who are only extrinsically motivated (Ghazi et al., 2010). Mental Health The permitting parenting style also has negative Influence of Permitting Parenting on effects on the mental health of children of Children permitting parents compared to children of other Although permitting parents are not as parenting styles. Children with permitting parents detrimental to children as controlling parents, are self-confident but show lower levels of self- permitting parents are not as beneficial as control, high aggression, and independence guiding parents (Trinkner et al., 2012). (McClun & Merrell, 1998; Rhee et al., 2006). Positive and negative effects result from Although there is limited research investigating permitting parents’ influence on children in links between suicidal behavior and the permitting behavior, risk-taking, mental health, and parenting style, because the children of permitting academic achievement (Baumrind, 1971; Rhee parents struggle with self-control and poor impulse et al., 2006; Rinaldi & Howe, 2012). control, children of permitting parents are more at 38 The William & Mary Educational Review risk for self-destructive behavior (Greening et than their peers with controlling and guiding al., 2010). parents, it appears children from indulging parents are more protected from experimentation with Academic Achievement substances than their peers with neglecting parents Baumrind (1971) found that children with (Adalbjarnardottir & Hafsteinsson, 2001). permitting parents are less achievement- Children from indulging families score higher than oriented than children of other parenting children from controlling parents on measures of styles. According to reports from permitting social competence and self-reliance, but lower than parents and their children, those children score children of guiding parents in work orientation and lower on their core courses than the children self-perception of academic ability (Glasgow et al., of guiding parents (Kang & Moore, 2011). In 1997). addition, children of permitting parents tend to score low in social and cognitive Influence of Neglecting Parents on Children competence and score high on measures that Neglecting parenting is associated with demonstrate immaturity, lack of impulse unfavorable outcomes, such as high rates of control, and self-reliance (Dornbusch et al., depression, high rates of smoking, poor school 1987; Jutengren & Palmerus, 2006). Children achievement, and low psychosocial development with permitting parents may have lower (Rhee et al., 2006). Neglecting children are twice academic performances than children with as likely to be overweight compared with children parents of other styles, as children with with parents of other styles (Rhee et al., 2006). permitting parents struggle with high Children who characterize their parents as frustration and low persistence with difficult neglecting are more likely to have tried smoking, tasks (Kang & Moore, 2011). experimented with underage drinking, and Miller et al. (2012), however, found that experimented with illicit drug use than children children with permitting parents tend to have a from indulging parents (Adalbjarnardottir & high connection with creativity, because Hafsteinsson, 2001). parents who utilize the permitting parenting In a study on sexual risk-taking, respondents style demonstrate higher creativity levels than who reported their parents never or rarely guiding or controlling parents. It may be that monitored their whereabouts were more likely to the high degree of responsiveness found in engage in risk-taking behaviors (Huebner & permitting parenting is what is most important Howell, 2003). Although parenting style did not for nurturing creativity (Baumrind, 1991; correlate directly with sexual risk-taking, children Miller et al., 2012). who are not closely monitored by their parents are more likely than their peers who are well- Influence of Indulging Parents on monitored by their parents to demonstrate high Children sexual risk-taking behaviors (Huebner & Howell, Children of indulging parents differ slightly 2003). Compared to children with parents of from children of permitting parents, as other styles, children with neglecting parents show children with indulging parents are disengaged the lowest level of psychological and social from school and show a higher frequency of adjustment, with low levels of self-regulation and involvement in deviant behaviors (McClun & cognitive competence (Glasgow et al., 1997). The Merrell, 1998; Rhee et al., 2006). Children deleterious effects of neglecting parenting continue who describe their parents as indulging score to accumulate over time (Glasgow et al., 1997) in higher than those whose parents are neglecting comparison with the continued positive effects of on the measures of perceived competence and the guiding parenting style on children. work orientation and lower on the index of psychological symptoms (Lamborn et al., Summary 1991). Children from indulging and neglecting By analyzing similarities and differences in the homes do not differ with respect to problem parenting styles, conclusions can be made behaviors and school performance (Lamborn identifying which parenting practices are the most et al., 1991). Although children from indulging effective. Guiding parenting is more beneficial to families report higher levels of children’s behavior, risk-taking, mental health, and experimentation with drinking and smoking academic achievement than controlling or Influence of Parenting Styles 39 permitting parenting (Baumrind, 1971; Bronte- guiding parents have better outcomes in the areas Tinkew et al., 2006; Chan & Chan 2005; Gray of behavior, risk-taking, mental health, and & Steinberg, 1999; Kaufmann et al., 2000; academic achievement than children of other Nguyen, 2008; Trinkner et al., 2012). parenting styles (Baumrind, 1971; Bronte-Tinkew Both controlling and guiding parents et al., 2006, Chan & Chan 2005; Gray & Steinberg, exhibit high levels of demandingness in 1999; Kaufmann et al., 2000; Nguyen, 2008; contrast to permitting parents who have low Trinkner et al., 2012). levels of demandingness (Baumrind, 1991). Despite some similarities between how parents When controlling parents establish rules, they from different parenting styles are characterized in expect their children to follow the rules terms of demandingness and responsiveness, without explanation (Baumrind, 1971; Chen et examining how guiding parents interact with their al., 1997; Greening et al., 2010; Ishak et al., children explains why their children demonstrate 2012; Kang & Moore, 2011; Trinkner et al., more positive behaviors, participate in less risk- 2012). Guiding parents also set rules and taking, have better mental health, and achieve limits on their children; however guiding higher academically than children from other parents differ from controlling parents by parenting styles (Baumrind, 1991; Bronte-Tinkew taking children’s feelings into consideration et al., 2006; Chan & Chan 2005; Gray & Steinberg, and engaging in conversations with their 1999; Kaufmann et al., 2000; Nguyen, 2008; children explaining why rules are important Trinkner et al., 2012). (Baumrind, 1971). Permitting parents also consult with their children about rules and Conclusion expectations; however permitting parents exert The main finding of this literature review is that little control over their children’s behavior and the guiding parenting style produces better do not encourage their children to follow rules outcomes for children than the controlling or (Baumrind 1971; Miller et al., 2012). Neither permitting parenting styles. By reviewing the indulging nor neglecting parents create or evidence in previous literature, it is evident that the enforce rules for their children (Glasgow et al., guiding parenting style produces better outcomes 1997). for children in the areas of behavior, risk-taking, Guiding parents exhibit a high level of mental health, and academic achievement. responsiveness in contrast to both controlling Another finding in this literature review is that and permitting parents, who exhibit low levels the line between guiding parents and controlling of responsiveness (Baumrind, 1991). Guiding parents is drawn between high responsiveness and parents show warmth in recognizing their low responsiveness. When a parent has a high level children’s uniqueness and are accepting while of demandingness and low level of responsiveness, showing support and offering encouragement a parent becomes controlling. However, if a (Baumrind, 1971; Ishak et al., 2012; Miller et parent can maintain high responsiveness and high al., 2012). Controlling parents are detached demandingness the parent will embody the and unreceptive to their children’s needs, qualities of a guiding parent. Similarly, the line emphasizing discipline instead (Chen et al., between guiding parents and permitting parents is 1997; Ishak et al., 2012; Trinkner et al., 2012). drawn between high demandingness and low Like guiding parents, permitting parents are demandingness. When a parent has a high level of accepting of their children; however, responsiveness and low demandingness a parent permitting parents show no attempts to reason becomes permitting; however, if a parent can with their children and instead give excessive maintain high demandingness and high freedom to their children’s impulses, desires, responsiveness, the parent will embody the and actions (Baumrind, 1971; McKinney et al., qualities of a guiding parent. If a guiding parent 2011; Miller et al., 2012). Indulging parents are veers from high responsiveness or high supportive of their children, but often demandingness he or she risks becoming a overlook their children’s needs; neglecting controlling or permitting parent and producing parents, on the other hand are disengaged with detrimental effects on children. their children’s lives (Glasgow et al., 1997). As a result of guiding parents’ warmth, Implications acceptance, and encouragement, children of The findings of this literature review have 40 The William & Mary Educational Review implications for parents regarding modeling the influences parenting styles have on children. the ideal parenting style. Controlling and The influence parenting styles have on areas such permitting parenting styles have both harmful as college matriculation, children’s future parenting and beneficial effects on children, whereas the styles, and children’s life satisfaction as adults still guiding parenting style has only benefits for needs to be explored. Lastly, as technology, children. Parents must heed this research education, and social norms continue to evolve, knowledge, examine their own parenting styles, researchers must investigate how parenting styles and possibly change their parenting styles to should change to best meet the needs of children. ensure the best outcomes for their children. To do so, parents must know how each References parenting style looks. Controlling parents lack Adalbjarnardottir, S., & Hafsteinsson, L. G. nurturing qualities towards their children and (2001). 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Taub, D. J. (2008). Exploring the impact of About the authors parental involvement on student development. New Directions for Clare Merlin is a doctoral student in the School Psychology Student Services, 122, 15-28. doi: & Counselor Education program, focusing on Counselor 10.1002/ss.272 Education. Trinkner, R., Cohn, E. S., Rebellon, C. J., & Van Gundy, K. (2012). Don’t trust Justine Okerson is a doctoral student in the Educational anyone over 30: Parental legitimacy as Policy, Planning, and Leadership program, focusing on a mediator between parenting style and Higher Education. changes in delinquent behavior over time. Journal of Adolescence, 35, 119- Philip Hess is a doctoral student in the Educational Policy, 132. doi: 10.1016 Planning, and Leadership program, focusing on Curriculum /j.adolescence.2011.05.003 Leadership. Walker, J. T. (2008). Looking at teacher practices through the lens of parenting style. Journal of Experimental Education, 76, 218-240. Williams, K. E., Ciarrochi, J., & Heaven, P. C. L. (2012). Inflexible parents, inflexible kids: A 6-year longitudinal study of parenting style and the development of psychological flexibility in adolescents. Journal of Youth & Adolescence, 41, 1053-1066. doi: 10.1007/s10964-012-9744-0