Parent Management Practices and School Adjustment

Abstract

This study examined the parent management practices to which a sample of middle school boys, in four different school adjustment groups, were exposed. The four groups were labeled Internalizers, Antisocials, Normal/Controls, and Externalizers. Parent management practices, including discipline, monitoring, positive reinforcement, parent involvement, and problem solving were compared for the four groups. Study results indicated between-group differences on two of the five parent management constructs, although all results were clearly in the hypothesized direction. The outcomes of the study are discussed in terms of the relationship of parenting practices to antisocial behavior in school settings.