Final answer:
Melinda's academic success suggests her parents are likely to use the authoritative parenting style, which provides a balance of warmth, structure, and support that fosters high self-esteem and good social skills.
Step-by-step explanation:
Given that Melinda is described as a very good student, it is most likely that her parents use the authoritative style of parenting. This style involves providing reasonable demands and consistent limits, offering warmth and affection, and actively engaging in conversation and negotiation with the child.
Parents following this approach are attentive and supportive but also maintain clear expectations and structured discipline. They explain the reasons behind their rules, remain flexible, and encourage a child's talents, opinions, and skills. The authoritative parenting style is associated with children having high self-esteem and social skills, which likely contributes to Melinda's success as a student.
In contrast, the authoritarian style involves strict, high demands with little warmth, which could result in anxious or unhappy children. The permissive style allows children too much freedom and insufficient structure, often leading to poor self-discipline and academic performance. Lastly, the uninvolved style of parenting is characterized by indifference and neglect, resulting in children who may be emotionally withdrawn and perform poorly in school.