4: Determinants of Parenting

Question 1

What are the four categories of determinants of parenting behaviours?

Answer 1

Cultural, contextual, stable, situational

These categories help to understand how various factors influence parenting styles.

Question 2

What model identifies parental psychological resources, child characteristics, and sources of stress & social support as determinants of parenting?

Answer 2

Determinants of Parenting Model (Belsky, 1984)

This model emphasizes the interplay of different factors in shaping parenting.

Question 3

What are the three influential categories identified in Belsky’s model?

Answer 3

• Parental psychological resources
• Child characteristics
• Sources of stress & social support

Question 4

True or False: Belsky’s model shows mutual influences between determinants of parenting.

Answer 4

False

The model treats determinants as mainly independent, not showing their interactions.

Question 5

What does Bronfenbrenner’s Bioecological Systems Model improve upon compared to Belsky’s model?

Answer 5

It organizes immediate, mid-level, and distal determinants of parenting

This model provides a more comprehensive view of the contexts influencing parenting.

Question 6

What is the impact of parental employment on parenting behaviours?

Answer 6

Influences values, well-being, mood, and parenting involvement

Increased maternal employment has been linked to both positive outcomes and potential stressors.

Question 7

What is the relationship between stress and parental functioning?

Answer 7

Stressed parents are less nurturing, supportive, patient, or involved

Stress can significantly affect parenting quality and engagement.

Question 8

What can buffer the effects of stress on parenting?

Answer 8

Social support

Support from friends, family, or partners can enhance parenting confidence and efficacy.

Question 9

What are the stable characteristics that influence parenting?

Answer 9

• Parent sex
• Prior experiences
• Personality
• Age
• Child’s age
• Child’s temperament
• Family structure

Question 10

How does the sex of the parent influence parenting?

Answer 10

Mothers and fathers often have different parenting emphases and styles

Fathers may engage in rough play, while mothers might focus on verbal interactions.

Question 11

What is the effect of the child’s age on parenting?

Answer 11

Age is a powerful determinant linked to changes in parenting behaviours

Parenting a toddler differs significantly from parenting a teenager.

Question 12

Fill in the blank: Parenting differences based on the sex of the child are not as ______ as commonly believed.

Answer 12

pervasive

Question 13

What impact does family structure have on parenting?

Answer 13

Single parent families face greater stressors and lower support

This can affect parenting practices and child outcomes.

Question 14

What factors influence the quality of romantic relationships and their impact on parenting?

Answer 14

Supportive relationships lead to sensitive and positive parenting

Unhappy marriages are linked to less consistent parenting practices.

Question 15

What are situational determinants in parenting?

Answer 15

Specific contexts and situations that shape parenting behaviours

Situational factors can lead to variations in parenting responses.

Question 16

How do transient parent and child characteristics affect parenting?

Answer 16

Emotions such as irritability can lead to less patient parenting

Parenting effectiveness can change based on immediate emotional states.