Difference and Similarity in Perceptval Structure of Parental Leadership between Parents and Their Children

Abstract

Analyzed similarities and discrepancies in the cognitive structures and attitudes of parents and children using a questionnaire and interviews. Ss were the members and parents of 5 classes of 2nd-yr students (75 boys and 65 girls) at a public middle school in Japan. The questionnaire used was constructed from H. Kojima's version of the Parental Behavior Inventory (PBI). From the 192 categories of the PBI, 16 categories weighted to measure psychological control/autonomy and 10 categories weighted for acceptance/rejection were selected. Items relating to acceptance, child-centeredness, positive involvement, and acceptive individuation were used to assess emotional support; and items relating to control, enforcement, control through guilt, hostile control, instilling persistent anxiety, extreme autonomy, and intrusiveness were used to assess the control/autonomy relationship. The children were interviewed during a morality class at school, and the parents were each sent a questionnaire. The 4 dyadic relationships—father/son, father/daughter, mother/son, and mother/daughter—were separately analyzed. Results show several areas of discrepancy. Fathers rated questioning their sons about outside activities as showing a personal interest in their son's behavior and thereby offering emotional support; the sons viewed this questioning as a control mechanism. A complex qualitative difference was noted in the cognitive perceptions of girls in relating to both of their parents. (English summary) (17 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)