Project Title
Affection and Encouragement of Independence from Parents to Children Across Cultures
Faculty Mentor(s) Name(s)
Tsu Ming Chiang
Abstract
Fathers and mothers often serve different roles in parenting. Specifically, they show differing levels of physical affection and promotion of their child’s independence. However, these parental roles are guided by cultural expectations. Few studies examine parental expressions cross-culturally. Thus, the researchers sought to examine the difference in parental expression of physical affection and independence promotion between the Italian and American families in the present study. Other factors such as the perceived marital status and the child’s age were also observed. Past empirical results have indicated that cross culturally, specifically with regards to Italian fathers, said fathers tend to not be perceived as the primary rule enforcer (Claes et al., 2010), which may correlate with their promotion of more independence. Furthermore, studies showed that American fathers and mothers alike perceive their child’s affection and attachment to be closer to that of the mother. However, fathers have been studied noticeably encouraging their child’s curiosity, and possible physical risks (Bretherton et al., 2005). It also suggests positive or helpful father involvement tend to increase marital satisfaction and vice versa. In general, cross-culturally, studies show that Italian fathers are not perceived as the primary rule enforcers, and they give less physical affection. Younger children normally receive more physical affection than older children. A sample of 19 Italian families (16 fathers, 14 mothers, 14 daughters, and 16 sons) was studied in multiple Italian cities through a study abroad program through observations. The American sample is being collected to compare the cultural similarities and differences in parental expressions. Based on past empirical findings, American fathers are expected to show similar levels of independence promotion to Italian fathers, but the opposite in terms of physical affection. The comparison results and implications will be presented and further discussed at the conference.
Affection and Encouragement of Independence from Parents to Children Across Cultures
Fathers and mothers often serve different roles in parenting. Specifically, they show differing levels of physical affection and promotion of their child’s independence. However, these parental roles are guided by cultural expectations. Few studies examine parental expressions cross-culturally. Thus, the researchers sought to examine the difference in parental expression of physical affection and independence promotion between the Italian and American families in the present study. Other factors such as the perceived marital status and the child’s age were also observed. Past empirical results have indicated that cross culturally, specifically with regards to Italian fathers, said fathers tend to not be perceived as the primary rule enforcer (Claes et al., 2010), which may correlate with their promotion of more independence. Furthermore, studies showed that American fathers and mothers alike perceive their child’s affection and attachment to be closer to that of the mother. However, fathers have been studied noticeably encouraging their child’s curiosity, and possible physical risks (Bretherton et al., 2005). It also suggests positive or helpful father involvement tend to increase marital satisfaction and vice versa. In general, cross-culturally, studies show that Italian fathers are not perceived as the primary rule enforcers, and they give less physical affection. Younger children normally receive more physical affection than older children. A sample of 19 Italian families (16 fathers, 14 mothers, 14 daughters, and 16 sons) was studied in multiple Italian cities through a study abroad program through observations. The American sample is being collected to compare the cultural similarities and differences in parental expressions. Based on past empirical findings, American fathers are expected to show similar levels of independence promotion to Italian fathers, but the opposite in terms of physical affection. The comparison results and implications will be presented and further discussed at the conference.