Abstract
The current study reported on links between fourth-grade children’s academic competence and behavioral adjustment and mothers’ and fathers’ psychological autonomy, controlling for effects of parental limit-setting and warmth. In a sample of 91 two-parent families, parents’ warmth and limit-setting were observed while interacting with their fourth-grade child, and children reported on their parents’ psychological autonomy. Fourth-grade teachers rated children’s academic competence and behavioral adjustment in the classroom. Fathers’ psychological autonomy was a unique correlate of greater academic competence and fewer signs of depression in the classroom, after accounting for the effects of fathers’ warmth and limit-setting. Discussion focuses on the role of fathers’ psychological autonomy in promoting adjustment in late childhood.
Recommended Citation
Mattanah, Jonathan F.
(2001)
"Parental Psychological Autonomy and Children's Academic Competence and Behavioral Adjustment in Late Childhood: More Than Just Limit-Setting and Warmth,"
Merrill-Palmer Quarterly: Vol. 47:
Iss.
3, Article 4.
Available at:
https://digitalcommons.wayne.edu/mpq/vol47/iss3/4