Adolescent Perception of Maternal Practices in Portugal and Spain: Similarities and Differences

Abstract

The aim of this study was to compare parenting in two southern European countries, Spain and Portugal, according to adolescent perceptions from a situated perspective. A total of 445 Portuguese (58.88%) and Spanish (41.12%) adolescents completed a questionnaire about maternal practices and provided socio-demographic information. Portuguese and Spanish mothers were more responsive than coercive in controlling adolescents’ compliance and non-compliance situations. Spanish mothers scolded, revoked privileges, and punished physically more often than Portuguese mothers, who used dialogue more often. Multivariate analysis showed three groups of parenting practices. Portuguese mothers were represented mainly in the Indulgent group (81.70%), and Spanish mothers in the Authoritative group (74.40%), whereas the third group (Neglectful) was independent of the country of origin. These results support the theory that research and family intervention should recognize cultural aspects in order to grasp the parenting process.

Parental Rearing Patterns and Interpersonal Skills in Deaf Chinese College Students: The Mediating Role of Theory of Mind

“…Poor ToM may lead to being a victim or a bully in early adolescence ( Happé et al, 2013 ). Second, some studies have shown that proper parenting styles include emotional involvement and equal dialogue with children; however, inappropriate parenting styles (such as high involvement or rejection) make it difficult to have such a dialogue between parents and children ( Fuentes et al, 2015 ; Lorence et al, 2020 ). Verbal dialogue is an essential part of parenting ( Keller et al, 2008 ).…”