Date of Award
Fall 12-2016
Degree Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Ph.D.
Degree Program
Applied Developmental Psychology
Department
Psychology
Major Professor
Laura Scaramella, Ph.D.
Second Advisor
Robert Laird, Ph.D.
Third Advisor
Paul Frick, Ph.D.
Fourth Advisor
Elliott Beaton, Ph.D.
Fifth Advisor
Kristin Callahan, Ph.D.
Abstract
The purpose of the current study was to replicate and extend existing research considering how positive parenting and family conflict impact positive parenting in future generations. Specifically, romantic conflict occurring in the family of procreation was expected to mediate the link between positive parenting in family of origin, and later parenting in family of procreation. This is one of the first studies to include both observational and direct forms of parenting. Data from the Family Transitions Project (FTP) was used in the current study. A series of structural equation models were used to test each hypothesis. Results indicated that learning occurs through direct interactions and observations. When adolescents observed positive parenting towards siblings, they engaged in less conflictual romantic relationships in the future, and more positive parenting with their own children. However, when adolescents directly experienced more family conflict, they were more likely to engage in conflict with romantic partners during adulthood, and use less positive parenting with their own children. Future directions and limitations are discussed.
Recommended Citation
LaFleur, Laura, "Why are some parents more positive than others?: Clarifying mechanisms associated with positive parenting" (2016). University of New Orleans Theses and Dissertations. 2261.
https://scholarworks.uno.edu/td/2261
Rights
The University of New Orleans and its agents retain the non-exclusive license to archive and make accessible this dissertation or thesis in whole or in part in all forms of media, now or hereafter known. The author retains all other ownership rights to the copyright of the thesis or dissertation.