Final answer:
Bruce's fear of punishment for breaking his mother's vase indicates his mother likely uses an authoritarian parenting style, characterized by strictness and a lack of warmth. The correct option is a) Authoritative
Step-by-step explanation:
Bruce's fear of being spanked for breaking his mother's vase suggests that his mother may employ an authoritarian parenting style.
In this style, parents place high value on conformity and obedience, are often strict, and express little warmth. These characteristics contrast with the other parenting styles.
An authoritative parent, most encouraged in modern American society, gives reasonable demands and consistent limits, expresses warmth, and listens to the child's point of view.
A permissive parent makes few demands and rarely uses punishment, while an uninvolved or neglectful parent is indifferent and unresponsive to the child's needs, creating a household with very few demands, if any.
As Bruce is scared of the punitive consequence from a parent, it can be inferred that his mother likely adheres to an authoritarian approach.
Failure to comply with established rules results in punishment, and there is an expectation of obedience without room for negotiation, which is synonymous with the authoritarian style.
This can lead to children feeling anxious or unhappy due to the strict household environment. Thus, Bruce's situation aligns with the characteristics of the authoritarian style, which includes strict monitoring of behavior and a lack of parental warmth. The correct option is a) Authoritative