Critical Analysis Paper - Dec. 10 @ 6_53 pm

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Feb 20, 2024

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1 Critical Analysis Paper Valerie Austin Colorado Christian University PSY-246A-Psychology Through the Lifespan Instructor Wolfe December 10, 2023
2 Critical Analysis Paper In their book "Human Development: A Life-Span View" (8th ed.), Kail and Cavanaugh (2019) delve into the intricate dynamics of parenting styles and their impact on the development of children. The authors outline four distinct parenting styles - authoritative, authoritarian, permissive, and uninvolved - each characterized by varying degrees of warmth, control, and autonomy. Drawing from psychological research and developmental theory, Kail and Cavanaugh provide insight into the implications of these parenting styles on children's emotional, social, and cognitive development. In this critique, we will examine these parenting styles in light of relevant scripture, assessing their alignment with biblical principles and values. By integrating psychological perspectives with biblical wisdom, we aim to gain a deeper understanding of effective and nurturing parenting practices. Kail and Cavanaugh (2019) describe four parenting styles: authoritative, authoritarian, permissive, and uninvolved. Each of these styles has a different approach to factors such as warmth, control, and autonomy, as described on p. 230. The authoritative parenting style is characterized by high warmth and high control, with parents setting clear expectations and boundaries while also being responsive to their children's needs. This approach is consistent with the biblical teaching in Ephesians 6:4, which encourages parents not to exasperate their children but to bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord. This style promotes a healthy balance of independence and respect for authority. Unlike authoritarian parents, authoritative parents set rules and boundaries but also take their children's feelings and opinions into consideration. They are responsive to their children's needs and provide guidance and support while encouraging independence and autonomy. Authoritative parents are nurturing and supportive, and they use positive reinforcement and
3 encouragement to promote good behavior. They also explain the reasons behind their rules and expectations, fostering open communication and mutual respect between parents and children. Children raised by authoritative parents tend to have high self-esteem, good social skills, and a strong sense of responsibility. They are more likely to be independent, confident, and capable of making their own decisions. (Delvecchio et al., 2020, p. 515). Research has shown that authoritative parenting is associated with positive outcomes for children, including better academic performance, emotional well-being, and social competence. It is considered an effective and balanced approach to parenting that promotes healthy development and positive relationships between parents and children. The authoritative parenting style is defined as the optimal parenting style. The authoritarian parenting style, on the other hand, is characterized by low warmth and high control, with parents setting strict rules and expecting obedience without much room for negotiation. Authoritarian parents often use punishment and criticism to control their children, rather than explaining the reasons behind their rules and expectations. This can lead to a lack of communication and trust between parents and children, as well as feelings of fear and resentment in the child. While authoritarian parenting may be effective in the short term for maintaining order and discipline, it can have long-term negative effects on a child's emotional well-being and development. “This parenting style was related to less optimal child outcomes, including lower self-efficacy, more externalizing and internalizing problems, and rebellion.” (Baumrind et al., 2010). It is important for parents to find a balance between setting boundaries and being nurturing and supportive in order to raise happy, healthy, and well-adjusted children. This style can be seen as consistent with the biblical teaching in Colossians 3:21. It issues a warning
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4 against upsetting children since it can cause them to become resentful and rebel. “Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.” ( NIV Life Application Study Bible , 2019). A permissive parenting style is a parenting approach that is characterized by low levels of control and high levels of warmth and responsiveness. Parents who adopt this style tend to be very lenient and indulgent, often allowing their children to make their own decisions and do what they want without setting clear boundaries or expectations. Permissive parents are generally very affectionate and nurturing, but they may struggle to enforce rules and discipline their children when necessary. They may also avoid conflict and prioritize their child's happiness over their own needs or values. While this parenting style can create a close and supportive relationship between parent and child, it can also lead to children who lack self-discipline and struggle to follow rules or take responsibility for their actions. Additionally, children raised in a permissive environment may struggle with anxiety or insecurity when faced with situations where they must make decisions or take on responsibilities. This approach may align with the biblical warning in Proverbs 29:15: “A rod and a reprimand impart wisdom, but a child left undisciplined disgraces its mother.” ( NIV Life Application Study Bible , 2019). This passage cautions against indulging a child, as it may lead to disobedience and a lack of respect for authority. Finally, uninvolved parenting, also known as neglectful parenting, is a parenting style characterized by low levels of responsiveness and low levels of demand behavior. Parents who exhibit this style are often emotionally distant, uninvolved, and indifferent to their children's needs and behaviors. Uninvolved parents may provide minimal supervision, guidance, or support for their children, and they may be disengaged from their children's lives. They may not set clear boundaries or rules, and they may fail to meet their children's emotional and physical needs. This
5 lack of involvement can lead to children feeling neglected, unsupported, and unimportant. Children raised in an uninvolved parenting environment may struggle with low self-esteem, emotional and behavioral problems, and difficulties forming healthy relationships. They may also have a higher risk of engaging in risky behaviors and experiencing academic and social challenges. It's important to note that uninvolved parenting is often the result of various factors, such as parental stress, mental health issues, substance abuse, or a lack of resources. It is crucial for parents in this situation to seek support and resources to improve their parenting and provide a nurturing and supportive environment for their children. This style contradicts the biblical teaching in Psalm 127:3: “Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him.”( NIV Life Application Study Bible , 2019). This suggests that parents have a responsibility to care for and nurture their children. Kail and Cavanaugh's (2019) description of parenting styles aligns with biblical teachings on the importance of balance, warmth, and discipline in raising children. The authoritative parenting style, which combines high warmth and high control, appears to be the most consistent with biblical principles for nurturing and guiding children. In light of the analysis of disciplining a child from the perspective of the four parenting styles and their alignment with biblical principles, it becomes evident that a balanced, loving, and nurturing approach to discipline is consistent with the biblical understanding of how to raise children. The authoritative parenting style, characterized by warmth, responsiveness, and reasonable discipline, resonates with the biblical teachings that emphasize the importance of loving guidance, discipline, and nurturing care for children. Proverbs 22:6 encourages by saying, “Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from
6 it.” ( NIV Life Application Study Bible , 2019). Emphasizing the significance of intentional and loving guidance in a child's upbringing. Moreover, the biblical principle of discipline as an expression of love and guidance rather than harshness or neglect aligns with the authoritative parenting style. Ephesians 6:4 advises parents not to provoke their children to anger but to bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord, reflecting the emphasis on nurturing, respectful, and reasoned discipline. “Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the Lord.” ( NIV Life Application Study Bible , 2019). In contrast, authoritarian, permissive, and uninvolved parenting styles may not fully align with the biblical understanding of raising children. While the authoritarian style may emphasize obedience, it may lack the nurturing and understanding aspects emphasized in biblical teachings. The permissive and uninvolved styles may fall short in providing the necessary structure, guidance, and discipline that the Bible encourages for the healthy development of children. In conclusion, a biblical understanding of how to raise children underscores the importance of a balanced, loving, and disciplined approach that reflects an authoritative parenting style. By integrating biblical principles with psychological insights, parents can strive to create an environment that fosters the emotional, social, and moral development of their children, nurturing them with love, guidance, and reasonable discipline.
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7 References Baumrind, D., Larzelere, R. E., & Owens, E. B. (2010). Effects of preschool parents' power assertive patterns and practices on adolescent development. Parenting , 10 (3), 157–201. https://doi.org/10.1080/15295190903290790 Delvecchio, E., Germani, A., Raspa, V., Lis, A., & Mazzeschi, C. (2020). Parenting styles and child’s well-being: The mediating role of the perceived parental stress. Europe’s Journal of Psychology , 16 (3), 514–531. https://doi.org/10.5964/ejop.v16i3.2013 Kail, R. V., & Cavanaugh, J. C. (2019). Human development: A life-span view (8th ed.). Cengage. NIV Life application study bible (Third ed.). (2019). Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.