6533b82bfe1ef96bd128d593

RESEARCH PRODUCT

The moderating effect of extraversion on the relation between self-reported and observed parenting

subject

description

Abstract The present study examined multiple measures of parenting (i.e., nurturance reported by parents themselves, child-centered behavior rated by trained observers, and child-reported parenting and family atmosphere) and their association with parents' personality trait of extraversion ( E ). The study was part of the Jyvaskyla Longitudinal Study of Personality and Social Development and it concerned 106 families with school-aged children (8–13 years of age). Data on parenting were collected from parents (54 mothers and 52 fathers) and children (48 girls and 58 boys) through questionnaires; in addition, behavioral observations were conducted to measure parent–child interaction. The results showed that, among parents who judged themselves to be highly nurturant, mothers were observed to be highly child-centered, if they were extraverted, whereas fathers were observed to be highly child-centered, if they were introverted. When the children's views about parenting and family atmosphere were examined, parents' introversion was related to a more favorable family environment. The results suggest that the data collection method and the information about parental personality characteristics should be considered in seeking to determine the quality of parenting.