Role of Parenting Styles in Internalizing, Externalizing, and Adjustment Problems in Children

Abstract

Introduction. Different studies have reported the relationship of parenting styles with adjustment problems in children. However, it has not been specified which aspects of parenting styles play a central role in the manifestation of such psychological problems. 

Objective. To increase the knowledge about the role of which parental educational styles are associated with internalizing, externalizing, and adjustment problems in Colombian children. 

Method. Through structural equations, the fit of the proposed model was verified. Participants were 422 parents and children aged between 8 and 12 years, enrolled in public schools in Bogota, Colombia. The Parental Educational Styles Questionnaire, the Child Behavior Checklist, and the Parent Format and Self-assessment Multifactorial Adjustment test were applied. 

Results. Family dynamics and parental practices have effects on internalizing, externalizing, and general maladjustment problems. Parental roles and practices show indirect effects on general maladjustment through externalizing problems. 

Discussion and conclusion. The models tested show that conflicts at home, parental overload, impulsivity, permissive, ambiguous/non-consistent styles, and dysfunctional reaction to disobedience play a role in the manifestation of internalizing, externalizing, and adjustment problems in children.