Cultural Differences in the Parenting of Young Children: An Observational Study of Low-Income Mexican American and European American Families

Abstract

We compared 57 Mexican American (MA) parents of children aged 3–7 to 86 demographically similar European American (EA) parents on a standardized, observational coding system for parent-child interactions. MA parents expressed less verbal approval in two of three play situations, and more verbal disapproval of their children in one of three play situations. MA parents used more direct commands than their EA counterparts in one situation. All analyses controlled for both child age and maternal education. We found no differences on behavioral descriptions or reflective statements, but EA parents were more likely than MA parents to use indirect commands. Implications for cultural modifications to BPT programs are discussed.

KEYWORDS:

• Behavioral Parent Training
• Mexican American families
• observational measures
• parenting
• young children

Acknowledgments

This research was supported by National Institute of Mental Health Grant K01MH1924 and a Faculty Research Grant from the University of San Diego.

Notes

Note. CLP = child-led play; PLP = parent-led play; CU = clean-up; MA = Mexican American; EA = European American.

*p < .05. **p < .01. ***p < .001.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Jenelle R. Shanley

Jenelle R. Shanley, PhD, is now at Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.