Mothers’ and Fathers’ Autonomy-Supportive and Controlling Behaviors: An Analysis of Interparental Contributions

Abstract

Objective. The goal of this study was to examine how mothers and fathers contribute to each other's autonomy supportive and controlling behaviors toward their child. Design. The participants were heterosexual parental dyads from two prospective studies (Study 1, n = 289; Study 2, n = 202). Mothers and fathers completed questionnaires assessing their autonomy supportive and controlling behaviors toward their adolescent child. Results. In both studies, results from structural equation modeling revealed reciprocal partner effects where mothers' autonomy support at Time 1 predicted fathers' autonomy support at Time 2, and fathers' autonomy support at Time 1 predicted mothers' autonomy support at Time 2. Reciprocal partner effects were also observed for controlling behaviors. These reciprocal relations were not statistically different across mothers and fathers. Conclusions. These results provide support for interparental contributions regarding autonomy supportive and controlling parenting behaviors. Mothers and fathers should thus be aware that their parenting behaviors can be influenced by each other, including both positive and negative parenting behaviors.

Transformational Parenting Style, Autonomy Support, and their Implications for Adolescent Athletes’ Burnout

“…The parental autonomy-supportive interpersonal style not only has beneficial effects on children, but also on the person who provides the autonomy support (Mabbe, Soenens, Vansteenkiste, van der Kaap-Deeder, & Mouratidis, 2018) and on the other parent, predicting a positive affective atmosphere at home and promoting the wellbeing and vitality of the other parent (Guay, Ratelle, Duchesne, & Dubois, 2018).…”

Parenting, Major Choice Motivation, and Academic Major Satisfaction Among Filipino College Students: A Self-Determination Theory Perspective

“…In terms of their children's education, Filipino couples make mutual decisions given that their children's academic achievements are their source of pride and compensation for their sacrifices (Alampay, 2014). Therefore, it can be argued that the similarity in the perceived Filipino parents' childrearing behaviors could result from their partners' mutual influence which may be more salient in a period during which their children are confronted by developmental challenges (e.g., high school to college transition; Guay et al, 2018). Previous studies provide support for this argument.…”

Parental Behaviors and Involvement in Children’s Digital Activities among Israeli Jewish and Arab Families during the COVID-19 Lockdown

“…Supporting young children's autonomy helps them develop executive functions, emotional regulation, and prosocial behaviors (Dix et al, 2007;Matte-Gagné et al, 2015). Parents' support of their children's independence is also associated with children's adaptive behavior and higher academic achievement (Guay et al, 2018). For example, Majdandžić et al (2018) found that fathers' physical and verbal encouragement of the child) has a protective role against anxiety development in preschoolers.…”