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Published on: September 19, 2019
Combining Parenting Strategies in Discipline Encounters: Influences on Moral Internalization in Adolescence
Renee B Patrick1, Wendy M Rote2
1Department of Psychology, The University of Tampa, Tampa, Florida, USA.
Mothers using inductive discipline with mild punishment for moral transgressions were seen as more appropriate and effective than using mild punishment alone. This combination may enhance message internalization in adolescents.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Psychology
- Moral Development
- Parenting Practices
Background:
- Moral socialization research often overlooks combined discipline strategies.
- Understanding how discipline influences internalization is crucial for child development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine young adults' perceptions of maternal and paternal discipline for moral transgressions.
- To investigate the influence of combined discipline practices (inductive and mild punishment) on perceived appropriateness and effectiveness.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective narrative accounts from 410 undergraduate students on parental discipline.
- Coding of discipline responses for inductive discipline, mild punishment, or their combination.
- Ratings of discipline fairness and effectiveness.
Main Results:
- Mothers' inductive discipline, with or without mild punishment, was rated higher than mild punishment alone.
- Inductive discipline combined with mild punishment was perceived as more acceptable and equally effective as inductive discipline alone.
- Fathers' inductive discipline without mild punishment was more acceptable than mild punishment alone.
Conclusions:
- Maternal use of induction with mild punishment may support, rather than hinder, the internalization of moral messages.
- Combined discipline strategies, particularly by mothers, can be perceived as highly appropriate and effective in moral socialization.
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