Final answer:
A child's attributional style involves how they interpret experiences and affects their mental health, with certain attributions linked to a higher risk of depression. Temperament influences parenting, with easy temperaments often receiving warm and responsive parenting. Cultural and socio-economic factors also play significant roles in shaping parenting styles and child development.
Step-by-step explanation:
A child's attributional style essentially concerns how they interpret their experiences, particularly failures or negative events. This cognitive approach can significantly impact their mental health and adjustment. According to the reformulated version of Seligman's study, the tendency to make internally focused, stable, and global attributions for bad outcomes can predispose individuals to depression, as it involves a perception of lacking control. Alternatively, an attributional style that is more external, unstable, and specific can be less damaging to self-esteem and mental health.
Moreover, a child's temperament can influence how they are parented, as seen in how parents respond to different temperaments. For instance, an easy temperament often elicits warm and responsive parenting styles, while a difficult temperament may result in irritation or withdrawal from parents. The authoritative parenting style, noted by Baumrind, which combines high warmth and structure, is generally associated with the best child outcomes in American society, though parenting styles can vary in effectiveness across different cultures. Finally, Lareau's study emphasizes how socio-economic status can influence parenting approaches and subsequent child development.