Abstract

Prior research reveals significant ethnic variations in parenting behaviors and beliefs. Despite widespread knowledge of the adverse effects of harsh parenting, the factors influencing support for such practices among different ethnic groups remain underexplored. This gap in the research highlights a need to investigate parenting beliefs across ethnic groups, particularly concerning discipline, meeting behavioral expectations, and children’s welfare and safety within the context of support for harsh parenting. Utilizing Parent Development Theory and the APA’s Multicultural Guidelines, this study analyzed archival data from the Parent Behavior Importance Questionnaire-Third Edition (PBIQ-3) to investigate ethnic differences in parenting beliefs, focusing on discipline, general welfare and protection, and negative parenting. Results indicate that Black and Hispanic participants tend to emphasize discipline more than the overall sample and general welfare and protection more than White and Asian participants. Black, Hispanic, and Asian participants showed more support for harsh parenting compared to the overall sample, while White participants demonstrated less support. However, no significant differences in discipline or support for harsh parenting practices were found between Black and White participants. Results also reveal that among Black, White, and Hispanic participants, more importance on discipline correlates with increased support for harsh parenting, though more importance on general welfare and protection correlates with decreased support. Findings suggest that despite possibly stringent disciplinary values, a strong emphasis on general welfare and protection may mitigate support for harsh parenting. These findings highlight the need for culturally sensitive parenting interventions and cultural competence training for professionals working with diverse backgrounds.

First Advisor

Barbara Mowder

Document Type

ETD

Date of Award

7-31-2024

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