Unpacking Authoritative Parenting: Reassessing a Multidimensional Construct

Abstract

This study examines the independent and joint con- tributions of three core dimensions of authoritative parenting-acceptance-involvement, strictness- supervision, and psychological autonomy grant- ing-to adolescent adjustment. A sample of 8,700 14- to 18-year-olds completed questionnaires that included indices of authoritative parenting and a set of instruments assessing different aspects of adjustment. Behavior problems were related more strongly to behavioral control than to psychologi- cal autonomy granting. Psychosocial development and internal distress were more strongly associ- ated with both psychological autonomy granting and acceptance-involvement than with behavioral control. Academic competence demonstrated sig- nificant relations with all three parenting vari- ables. Curvilinear and interactive relations between parenting practices and adolescent adjustment were observed, but the specific pattern varied as a function of outcome assessed.