Symposium 6th World Congress on Positive Psychology 2019

On The Relations Between Classical Parenting Styles, Strength-Based Parenting, And Children’s Character Strengths (#148)

Marco Weber 1
  1. Department of Psychology, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany

This study focused on the relations between “classical” parenting styles (i.e., authoritarian, authoritative, and permissive), strength-based parenting, and children`s character strengths. A sample of 204 parents completed online self-report measures on classical and strength-based parenting, and an observer-rating of their children’s 24 character strengths. The mean age of the children was 5.2 years (from 2 to 8 years), and 52% were female. Authoritative parenting showed positive correlations with ten character strengths (e.g., social intelligence, judgement), whereas authoritarian parenting showed negative correlations with seven character strengths (e.g., love of learning, perspective). Permissive parenting showed positive and negative correlations with three character strengths. Strength-based parenting was positively related to 22 of the 24 character strengths (e.g., love of learning, perspective, curiosity, bravery, appreciation, perseverance, hope). Hierarchical linear regression analyses showed that strength-based parenting explained variance in 21 of the character strengths beyond classical parenting styles. This initial study showed that different parenting styles relate to different character strengths of children. Especially strength-based parenting seems to be relevant for children’s character strengths. However, higher degrees in authoritative and lower degrees in authoritarian parenting appear as relevant for character strengths as well. Limitations and an outlook for future research will also be discussed.