Skip to main content

Advertisement

SpringerLink
Log in

Parental Inconsistency Versus Parental Authoritarianism: Associations with Symptoms of Psychological Disorders

  • Original Paper
  • Published:
Journal of Youth and Adolescence Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

While in western countries, such as the US and Europe, authoritarian parenting is associated with negative psycho-social outcomes. Studies have indicated that this is not the case in collective/authoritarian cultures. It has been hypothesized that inconsistency in parenting style and culture contributes to these negative outcomes. In this study a scale of authoritarian parenting and parental inconsistency has been developed. This scale and other scales of authoritarian parenting, adolescent-family connectedness, and psychological disorders were administered to 72 female and 106 male 11th grade Arab students. The results show that, while no measures of authoritarian parenting were associated with psychological disorders, all the measures of parental inconsistency were so associated. The results give empirical support to theories that indicate that parental inconsistency is an important factor in psychopathology. More research that is focused on inconsistency is needed across different psychological symptoms and across cultures.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Achoui M (2003) Taa’dib al atfal fi al wasat al a’ai’li: Waqea’ wa ittijahat [Children Disciplining within the Family Context: Reality and attitudes]. Al tofoolah A Arabiah 16(4):9–38. [Journal on Arab Childhood, Kuwait]

    Google Scholar 

  • Al-Khawaja M (1999) Alshabab al A’rabi [Arab youth]. In: Zakareya Kk (ed) Derasat fi almojtamaa’ al A’rabi almoa’aser [Studies in the contemporary Arab Society] ch. 7. Al Ahali Publications, Damascus, Syria, pp. 255–304 (in Arabic)

    Google Scholar 

  • Baldwin AL, Baldwin C, Cole RE (1990) Stress-resistant families and stress-resistant children. In: Rolf J, Masten A, Chicchetti D, Nuechterlein K, Weintraub S (eds) Risk and protective factors in the development of psychopathology. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, UK, pp 257–280

    Google Scholar 

  • Bateson G (1977) Epilogue: The growth of paradigms for psychiatry. In: Ostwald PF (ed) Communication and social interaction. Grune & Stratton, New York, pp 331–337

    Google Scholar 

  • Baumrind D (1966) Effects of authoritative parental control on child behavior. Child Dev 37:887–907

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Baumrind D (1967) Child care practices anteceding three patterns of preschool behavior. Genet Psychol Monogr 75:43–88

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Baumrind D (1975) Early socialization and the discipline controversy. General Learning Press, Morristown, NJ

    Google Scholar 

  • Baumrind D (1991) The influence of parenting style on adolescent competence and substance use. J Early Adolesc 11:56–95

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bigner JJ (1994) Individual and family development: A life-span interdisciplinary approach. Prentice Hall, New Jersey

    Google Scholar 

  • Bronfenbrenner U (1979) The ecology of human development. Harvard University Press, Cambridge, MA

    Google Scholar 

  • Buri JR (1991) Parental authority questionnaire. J Pers Soc Assess 57:110–119

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Buri JR, Louiselle PA, Misukanis TM, Mueller RA (1988) Effects of parental authoritarianism and authoritativeness on self-esteem. Pers Soc Psychol Bull 14(2):271–282

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chao RK (1994) Beyond parental control and authoritarian parenting style: Understanding Chinese parenting through the cultural notion of training. Child Dev 65:1111–1119

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Chao RK, Sue S (1996) Chinese parental influence and their children’s school success: A paradox in literature on parenting styles. In: Lau S (ed) Growing up the Chinese way. Chinese University Press, Hong Kong, pp 93–120

    Google Scholar 

  • Dadds MR (1995) Families, children, and the development of dysfunction. Sage, New York

    Google Scholar 

  • Dwairy M (1997) Personality, culture, and Arabic society. Al-Noor, Jerusalem (in Arabic)

    Google Scholar 

  • Dwairy M (1998) Cross-cultural counseling: The Arab-Palestinian case. Haworth Press, New York

    Google Scholar 

  • Dwairy M (2003) Validation of multigenerational interconnectedness scale among Arab adolescents. Psychol Rep 93:697–704

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Dwairy M (2004) Parenting styles and psychological adjustment of Arab adolescents. Transcult Psychiatry 41(2):233–252

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Dwairy M, Menshar KE (2006) Parenting style, individuation, and mental health of adolescents in Egypt. J Adolesc 29:103–117

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Dwairy M, Achoui M (2006) Introduction to three cross-regional research studies on parenting styles, individuation, and mental health in the Arab societies. Forthcoming Issues J Cross-Cultural Psychol 37(3):221–229

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dwairy M, Achoui M, Abouserie R, Farah A, Ghazal I, Fayad M, Khan H (2006) Parenting styles in the Arab societies: A first cross-regional research study. Forthcoming Issues J Cross-Cultural Psychol 37(3):230–247

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dwairy M, Achoui M, Abouserie R, Farah A (2006a) Adolescent-family connectedness among Arabs: A second cross-regional research study. Forthcoming Issues J Cross-Cultural Psychol 37(3):248–261

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dwairy M, Achoui M, Abouserie R, Farah A (2006b) Parenting styles, individuation, and mental health of Arab adolescents: A third cross-regional research study. Forthcoming Issues J Cross-Cultural Psychol 37(3):262–272

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Erkman F, Rohner RP (2006) Youths’ perceptions of corporal punishment, parental acceptance, and psychological adjustment in a Turkish metropolis. Cross-Cultural Res 40(3):250–267

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Forward S (1989) Toxic parents: Overcoming their hurtful legacy and reclaiming your life. Bantam Books, New York

    Google Scholar 

  • Freud S (1900) The interpretation of dreams. (Standard Edition, vol 4)

  • Freud S (1964) An outline of psychoanalysis. In: Strachey J (ed and Trans), The standard edition of the complete psychological works of Sigmund Freud, vol 23. Hogarth Press, London (Original work published in 1940)

    Google Scholar 

  • Gavazzi SM, Sabatelli RM (1987) Assessing levels of individuation through multigenerational interconnectedness. Paper presented at the National Council of Family Relations 49th Annual Conference, Atlanta

  • Gavazzi SM, Sabatelli RM (1988) Multigenerational interconnectedness and family involvement: Assessing levels of individuation in adolescence and early adulthood. Paper presented at the National Council of Family Relations 50th Annual Conference, Philadelphia

  • Gavazzi SM, Sabatelli RM (1990) Family system dynamics, the individuation process, and psychosocial development. J Adolesc Res 5(4):500–519

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gavazzi SM, Sabatelli RM, Reese-Weber MJ (1991) Measurement of financial, functional, and psychological connections in families: Conceptual development and empirical use of the multigenerational interconnectedness scale. Psychol Rep 84(3 pt. 2):1361–1371

    Google Scholar 

  • Ghubash EH, Bebbington P (1994) The Dubai community psychiatric survey: Acculturation and the prevalence of psychiatric disorder. Psychol Med 24:121–131

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Ghobash EH, Hamdi E, Bibbington P (1992) The Dubai community psychiatric survey: I Prevalence and sociodemographic correlates. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 27:53–61.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hamuda MA, Imam IA (1996) The Psychological State Scale for adolescents and adults. Dar El Fekr El Arabi, Cairo, Egypt (in Arabic)

    Google Scholar 

  • Hatab Z, Makki A (1978) Al-solta el-abawia wal-shabab. Ma’had El-Inmaa’ El-Arabi, Beirut (in Arabic)

    Google Scholar 

  • Hersov L (1960) Persistent non-attendance at school. J Child Psychol Psychiatry 1:130–136

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hill NE (1995) The relationship between family environment and parenting style: A preliminary study of African American families. J Black Psychol 21(4):408–423

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ibrahim AS, Al-Nafie A (1991) Perception and concern about sociocultural change and psychopathology in Saudi Arabia. J Soc Psychol 13:179–186

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kagitcibasi C (1970) Social norms and authoritarianism: A Turkish-American comparison. J Pers Soc Psychol 16:444–451

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kagitcibasi C (2005) Autonomy and relatedness in cultural context: Implications for self and family. J Cross-Cultural Psychol 36(4):1–20

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kharboosh MS (1994) Altaaádodeyah alhezbeyah fi alwatan al Arabi [Political pluralism in the Arab world]. Qeraaát Siyaseyah 3:51–76 (Arabic Journal published in Tampa Florida)

    Google Scholar 

  • Lamborn SD, Mounts NS, Steinberg L, Dornbusch SM (1991) Patterns of competence and adjustment among adolescents from authoritative, authoritarian, indulgent, and neglectful families. Child Dev 62:1049–106

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Leung K, Lau S, Lam WL (1998) Parenting styles and achievement: A cross-cultural study. Merrill-Palmer Q 44:157–172

    Google Scholar 

  • Lopez FG, Gover M (1993) Self-report measure of parent-adolescent attachment and separation-individuation: A selective review. J Couns Dev 71:560–569

    Google Scholar 

  • Maccoby EE, Martin JA (1983) Socialization in the context of the family: Parent-child interaction. In: Hetherington EM (ed) Mussen manual of child psychology, vol 4 (4th edn). Wiley & Sons, New York, pp 1–102

    Google Scholar 

  • Mahler M, Bergman A, Pine F (1975) The psychological birth of the infant: Symbiosis and individuation. Basic Books, New York

    Google Scholar 

  • Markus HR, Kitayama S (1991) Culture and the self: Implications for cognition, emotion, and motivation. Psychol Rev 98:224–253

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Patterson GR (1982) A social learning approach: Coercive family process. Castalia, Eugene, OR

    Google Scholar 

  • Randolph SM (1995) African American children in single-mother families. In: Dickerson BJ (ed) African American single mothers: Understanding their lives and families. Sage, Thousand Oaks, CA

    Google Scholar 

  • Reitman D, Rhode PC, Hupp SDA, Altobello C (2002) Development and validation of the parental authority questionnaire- Revised. J Psychopathol Behav Assess 24(2):119–127

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rogers CR (1951) Client-centered therapy. Houghton Mifflin, Boston

    Google Scholar 

  • Rogers CR (1961) On becoming a person. Houghton Mifflin, Boston

    Google Scholar 

  • Rohner RP (1999) Acceptance and rejection. In: Levinson D, Ponzetti J, Jorgensen P (eds) Encyclopedia of human emotions, vol 1 (of 2). Macmillan, New York, pp 6–14

    Google Scholar 

  • Rohner RP (2005) Glossary of Significant Concepts in parental Acceptance-Rejection Theory. On-line at Babylon.com

  • Rohner RP, Pettengill SM (1985) Perceived parental acceptance-rejection and parental control among Korian adolescents. Child Dev 56:524–528

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Steely AC, Rohner RP (2006) Relations among corporal punishment, perceived parental acceptance, and psychological adjustment in Jamaican youths. Cross-Cultural Res 40(3):268–286

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Steinberg L, Lamborn S, Dornbusch S, Darling N (1992a) Impact of parenting practices on adolescent achievement: Authoritative parenting, school involvement, and encouragement to succeed. Child Dev 63:1266–1281

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Steinberg L, Dornbusch S, Brown BB (1992b) Ethnic differences in adolescent achievement: An ecological perspective. Am Psychol 47:723–729

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Steinberg L, Mounts N, Lamborn S, Dornbusch S (1991) Authoritative parenting and adolescent adjustment across varied ecological niches. J Res Adolesc 1:19–36

    Google Scholar 

  • Triandis HC, Bontempo R, Villareal MJ, Asai M, Lucca N (1988) Individualism and collectivism: cross-cultural perspectives on self-ingroup relationships. J Pers Soc Psychol 54:323–338

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Vygotsky LS (1978) Mind in society. Harvard University Press, Cambridge, MA

    Google Scholar 

  • Wenar C (1994) Developmental Psychopathology: From infancy through adolescence. McGraw Hill, New York

    Google Scholar 

  • Winnicott D (1953) Transitional objects and transitional phenomena. Int J Psychoanal 34(2):89–97

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Whitfield CL (1987) Healing the child within: Discovery and recovery for adult children of dysfunctional families. Health Communications, Deerfield Beach, FL

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgments

I wish to thank my assistant Insaf Khatib who provided valuable help in conducting this research.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Emek Yezreel Academic College and Oranim Academic College, P.O. Box 14710, Ora St. 3b, Nazerat Ellit, 17000, Israel

    Marwan Adeeb Dwairy

Authors
  1. Marwan Adeeb Dwairy
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Marwan Adeeb Dwairy.

Additional information

Marwan Dwairy, D.Sc., is associated professor of psychology in Emek Yezreel college and Oranim college. He is a licensed expert and supervisor in three areas: educational, medical, and developmental psychology. He received his B.A. and M.A. degrees in psychology from Haifa University, and his D.Sc. from the Faculty of Medicine at the Technion in 1991. http://Web:www.marwandwairy.com.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Dwairy, M.A. Parental Inconsistency Versus Parental Authoritarianism: Associations with Symptoms of Psychological Disorders. J Youth Adolescence 37, 616–626 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10964-007-9169-3

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10964-007-9169-3

Keywords

Search

Navigation