Final answer:
Parenting styles include authoritative, authoritarian, permissive, and uninvolved, influencing children's social, cognitive, and emotional development. Authoritative parenting is generally favored for positive outcomes in Western societies, but the best approach may depend on cultural context and individual child temperament. Over the last decade, social and cultural shifts may have impacted parenting practices, but the preference for authoritative parenting largely persists.
Step-by-step explanation:
Diana Baumrind developed a theory describing four parenting styles: authoritative, authoritarian, permissive, and uninvolved. The authoritative style is considered the most beneficial in Western cultures, as it balances demand and responsiveness, promoting high self-esteem and social skills. Authoritarian parents are strict and less responsive, possibly leading to obedient but less socially adept children. Permissive parenting may result in children lacking self-discipline, despite potentially having high self-esteem. Uninvolved parenting can lead to the poorest outcomes, with children potentially struggling socially and emotionally.
The most common parenting style may have shifted due to cultural, social, and economic changes over the past decade. However, a broad consensus on the most effective style hasn't dramatically changed; the authoritative style remains widely encouraged. The nurturing of a healthy self-concept through parenting is multifaceted, also considering a child's temperament and socio-cultural elements. Discerning parental impact versus individual traits is complex and necessitates a nuanced understanding.