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Parental beliefs and their role in child-rearing

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Abstract

Beliefs have been a topic of considerable interest among researchers in various fields. In this article 71 articles reporting a study on parental beliefs and published in the course of fifteen years (1980–1995) are reviewed. After clarifying the term ‘belief’, the topics and the methodological solutions of the studies are discussed. Throughout the discussion the question of the origins of parental beliefs and the belief — behaviour dilemma are dealt with. Finally, the implications of the findings and suggestions for future research are presented.

Résumé

Les croyances ont fait l’objet d’un intérêt considérable chez les chercheurs dans de nombreux domaines. Le présent article passe en revue 71 articles faisant état d’une étude sur les croyances parentales publiés au cours de 15 années (1980–1995). Après avoir précisé le terme de “croyance”, l’article traite des thèmes et des solutions méthodologiques retenus par les études. Tout au long de la discussion, l’angle de vue adopté est celui de l’origine des croyances parentales et du dilemme croyance-comportement. L’article se termine sur une présentation des implications des découvertes et des suggestions pour les recherches futures.

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  1. Department of Education, University of Jyväskylä, PO. Box 35, 40351, Jyväskylä, Finland

    Sirkka Hirsjärvi & Satu Perälä-Littunen

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  1. Sirkka Hirsjärvi
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  2. Satu Perälä-Littunen
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This study was financially supported by the Finnish Academy of Sciences.

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Hirsjärvi, S., Perälä-Littunen, S. Parental beliefs and their role in child-rearing. Eur J Psychol Educ 16, 87–116 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03172996

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