Final answer:
The four parenting styles—authoritative, authoritarian, permissive, and uninvolved—are based on the dimensions of control and warmth. Each style influences children in unique ways and is affected by cultural context and a child's temperament.
Step-by-step explanation:
The four parenting styles described by Western psychologists are combinations of: a) Control and warmth. These parenting styles encompass authoritative, authoritarian, permissive, and uninvolved styles. Diana Baumrind developed this theory, which suggests that the way parents interact with their children can significantly influence their socioemotional growth.
Authoritative Parenting Style
This style involves reasonable demands and consistent limits while expressing warmth and affection. Parents listen to the child's point of view, set rules, and explain why those rules exist. Such parents are flexible and may adjust rules for special occasions. Kids raised by authoritative parents generally exhibit high self-esteem and good social skills.
Authoritarian Parenting Style
In contrast, authoritarian parents place high value on obedience and offer little warmth. They are strict and expect conformity, potentially leading to children who are anxious and withdrawn. However, this style might be as beneficial as authoritative parenting in some cultural contexts.
Permissive Parenting Style
Permissive parents make few demands and are nurturing, often acting like a friend rather than a parent. With few rules and discipline, children may lack self-discipline, which is negatively associated with academic performance.
Additionally, a child's temperament can influence their parenting. A child's innate traits play a role in how they interact with their environment and thus, how they are parented.