The longitudinal relationship between family functioning and parenting styles

Abstract

Family functioning refers to effective management, conflict resolution and upholding values and rules, providing a holistic perspective on the interactions and relationships between family members. However, research on parenting styles has predominantly focused on parent-based predictors, and it is less known how family functioning influences parenting styles. As such, this study examines the impact of family functioning on parenting styles. 174 mothers from a birth cohort study in Singapore completed the Parenting Styles and Dimensions Questionnaire when their children were aged 4.5 and 8.5 years old. Mothers reported general function using the Family Assessment Device (FAD) when their children were 6 years old. The scales demonstrated good reliabilities in parenting styles and family functioning (Cronbach’s αs > .72). Permissive Parenting was excluded from analyses due to poor reliability (Cronbach’s α = .54). Linear regression models analysed the impact of FAD on subsequent parenting practices while controlling for earlier parenting style at age 4.5 years. Regression results showed that a lower level of family dysfunction is linked to greater maternal authoritative parenting (B = -.18, SE =.079, p = .026). However, no significant relationship was found with Authoritarian parenting (B = -.12, SE =1.00, p = 0.24). These results highlight better family functioning is predictive of a more authoritative approach to parenting. The findings suggest family functioning is a pivotal factor in shaping parenting styles and is vital in developing effective parenting styles and intervention strategies. Future studies can explore how family functioning, which influences parenting styles, may affect child outcomes.