Final answer:
Children with temperamentally 'at risk' traits are most likely to thrive under parents who are highly sensitive and responsive to their needs. Authoritarian parenting may not be beneficial, while authoritative parenting, with its balance of responsiveness and reasonable demands, is typically most effective.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to research in the field of developmental psychology, children who are temperamentally at "risk" are most likely to thrive when their parents are unusually sensitive to their needs. Temperamental traits are innate and can affect how children interact with their environment, ranging from easy to difficult temperaments. Diana Baumrind's theory of parenting styles emphasizes that an authoritative approach, which is characterized by reasonable demands, consistent limits, and a responsive and nurturing nature, is generally most effective in child socioemotional growth.
For a child with a difficult temperament, who may have trouble adapting to change and regulating emotions, authoritarian parenting can exacerbate feelings of anxiety and unhappiness. Such children may benefit more from parenting that includes sensitivity, responsiveness, an understanding of the child's unique temperament, and a willingness to set flexible yet consistent boundaries.
While authoritarian and permissive parenting styles may not be conducive to the best outcomes for at-risk children, a combination of high responsiveness and reasonable demands (common in authoritative parenting) can nurture a healthier self-concept and promote better social and emotional development.