Exploring Parenting Styles to Enhance Parental Involvement through Latent Profile Analysis: The Role of Reward and Praise

Abstract

The aim of this study is to explore different profiles of parents in terms of their use of reward and praise as well as psychological control by using latent profile analysis (LPA). The data were collected from a sample of 661 parents living across Turkey through an online platform in the Spring of 2023. An atemporal cross-sectional research design was used to explore latent profiles of parents. Parents completed three scales: the parent reward scale, the parent praise scale, and psychological control-disrespect scale. Parents were profiled, based on their use of these three parenting tools. As a result of the LPA, three profiles emerged. They were identified as “High Controllers”, “Low Controllers” and “Autonomy Supporters”. As predicted, “High Controllers” use all these three tools, reward, praise, psychological control to a great extent. Similarly, “Low Controllers” use all three tools but to lesser extent. “Autonomy Supporters” use these three tools the least. The difference among these three profiles were further validated with the acknowledgement-of-feelings scale and the threats to punish scale. ANOVA revealed a significant difference among three groups. “High Controllers” were more likely to threaten to punish their children than “Low Controllers” and “Autonomy Supporters”. Similarly, Autonomy Supporters” were more likely to acknowledge their children’s feelings than “High Controllers” and “Low Controllers.” As predicted, these findings suggest that parents who use praise and reward are more likely to control their children psychologically, punish their children and less likely to acknowledge their children’s feelings. School leaders could utilize these findings to profile parents and develop more effective parental involvement program to promote autonomy supportive parenting style that do not rely on praise or reward.