Prediction of Objective Child Motivation Test Scores from Parents' Reports of Child-Rearing Practices

Abstract

The mothers and fathers of 310 junior high school children completed a child-rearing questionnaire and the children completed the School Motivation Analysis Test. The mothers' and fathers' data were factor analyzed separately and factor scores computed and employed as predictor variables in separate sets of multiple regression analyses employing the childrens' school motivation scores as criteria. Of the 40 possible full model R2s 29 were significant. The pattern of variable interrelationships is discussed, with some of the most consistent results being a significant positive relationship of the children's integrated and unintegrated assertiveness scores with the fathers' late authoritative discipline and the mothers' high family-adjustment scores. Among numerous other relationships discussed were significant positive relationships of fathers' low use of discipline and mothers' low physical punishment vs high use of reason with the childrens' integrated self-sentiment and superego.