Please read the following scenarios and respond to each statement in themanner in which your parent would have responded when you were a child.
I. Terry has difficulty dressing for school. As a 4-year old often insists‚ no one can help. However‚delays up to a half hour are expected‚ with tears and tantrums when procrastination can no longer happen because everyone has to leave the house for work‚ school etc.
1. The parent states that Terry will get a reward in the car if the clothes are on in the next minute. The parent helps Terry to put the clothes on.
\_______5_______/________4__________/_____3_______/____2_____/____1___/
-–All of the Time -––-Most of the Time-––- Some time-–––- Rarely-–––– Never
2. The parent picks the child up clothes half on‚ half off‚ and leaves Terry and the clothing at the preschool.
\_______5_______/________4__________/_____3_______/____2_____/____1___/
-–All of the Time -––-Most of the Time-––- Some time-–––- Rarely-–––– Never
3. The parent tells Terry that they have negotiated for the last time. The parent explains that they will now have to finish dressing the child.
\_______5_______/________4__________/_____3_______/____2_____/____1____/
-–All of the Time -––-Most of the Time-––- Some time-–––- Rarely-–––– Never
4. The parent demands that Terry put the clothes on immediately. When the child is not compliant; the parent follows through with corporal punishment and a warning regarding what will happen if this behavior occurs again.
\_______5_______/________4__________/_____3_______/____2_____/____1____/
-–All of the Time -––-Most of the Time-––- Some time-–––- Rarely-–––– Never
Circle one of the above four statements which best describe what your parent was most likely to have done: 1‚ 2‚ 3‚ or 4.
II. On Sunday morning Cameron’s grandparent comes to visit and Cameron‚ who is 7 years old‚ refuses to pick up the books‚ toys and clothes strewn across the bedroom floor. Cameron continues this obstinate behavior after the grandparent arrives.
5. Cameron’s parent negotiates with Cameron regarding the responsibility of picking up the toys. They state that the grandparent traveled a long way for a visit. They tell the child to come to breakfast first‚ but the child will have to pick up the room later.
\_______5_______/________4__________/_____3_______/____2_____/____1____/
-–All of the Time -––-Most of the Time-––- Some time-–––- Rarely-–––– Never
6. Cameron is ignored while the parent prepares breakfast. The adults have breakfast without Cameron who finally comes in from the bedroom‚ grabs a roll off the table‚ and runs back to the bedroom.
\_______5_______/________4__________/_____3_______/____2_____/____1____/
-–All of the Time -––-Most of the Time-––- Some time-–––- Rarely-–––– Never
7. They explain that the rule has been to clean the room on Sunday morning before breakfast. They state that they are concerned over Cameron’s unhappiness in the situation‚ but the room should be picked up before coming out to breakfast.
\_______5_______/________4__________/_____3_______/____2_____/____1____/
-–All of the Time -––-Most of the Time-––- Some time-–––- Rarely-–––– Never
8. Cameron is punished verbally and physically in front of the grandparent because they have “crossed the limits.” They state that there will be no further discussion and the room will be picked up before breakfast.
\_______5_______/________4__________/_____3_______/____2_____/____1____/
-–All of the Time -––-Most of the Time-––- Some time-–––- Rarely-–––– Never
Circle one of the above four statements which best describe what your parent was most likely to have done: 5‚ 6‚ 7‚ or 8.
III. It is 8:30 at night on a school night and 10-year old Chris does not want to bath‚ but wants instead to view a two-hour television presentation of new shows for the next season.
9. They say that it is the child’s choice to bath but for heath and social reasons‚ they really should bathe. They offer to remain or leave while Chris makes a choice.
\_______5_______/________4__________/_____3_______/____2_____/____1____/
-–All of the Time -––-Most of the Time-––- Some time-–––- Rarely-–––– Never
10. The parent tells Chris to get into the tub and states that they are going to bed.
\_______5_______/________4__________/_____3_______/____2_____/____1____/
-–All of the Time -––-Most of the Time-––- Some time-–––- Rarely-–––– Never
11. After drawing a bath the parent reminds Chris that they are to take a bath every day. They listen to the concerns over not bathing and they remain in the area until the child has gotten into the tub and taken a bath.
\_______5_______/________4__________/_____3_______/____2_____/____1____/
-–All of the Time -––-Most of the Time-––- Some time-–––- Rarely-–––– Never
12. After drawing a bath the parent tells Chris to get into the tub and that they will not tolerate any further delays or “backtalk.” They state that Chris is 10 and should not need any further reminding.
\_______5_______/________4__________/_____3_______/____2_____/____1____/
-–All of the Time -––-Most of the Time-––- Some time-–––- Rarely-–––– Never
Circle one of the above four statements which best describe what your parent was likely to have done: 9‚ 10‚ 11‚ or 12.
IV. On Thursday during lunch at school 13-year old Bobbie was sent to the principal’s office for inappropriate behavior in the cafeteria.
13. In the principal’s office‚ the parent asks Bobbie to recount what happened. They let the child know that they think the child has acted irresponsibly. They listen to Bobbie’s side of the incident and offer choices in terms of resolving the current situation.
\_______5_______/________4__________/_____3_______/____2_____/____1____/
-–All of the Time -––-Most of the Time-––- Some time-–––- Rarely-–––– Never
14. In the principal’s office the parent tells Bobbie that this is the first and only time they will waste their time coming to the school. They promise the principal that they will deal with the matter when they return home because they are too busy to deal with it now.
\_______5_______/________4__________/_____3_______/____2_____/____1____/
-–All of the Time -––-Most of the Time-––- Some time-–––- Rarely-–––– Never
15. In the principal’s office‚ the parent is quick to praise Bobbie’s past school behavior and state that they trust Bobbie. They‚ however‚ ask the child to discuss the current problem with them in order to help them understand why the incident occurred. They let the child know that they care but that they expect Bobbie to behave at school.
\_______5_______/________4__________/_____3_______/____2_____/____1____/
-–All of the Time -––-Most of the Time-––- Some time-–––- Rarely-–––– Never
16. In the principal’s office‚ the parent states that they will not tolerate this type of behavior. They tell the child that they expect them to behave at school just as they behave at home. They also relate that there will be serious consequences if this type of behavior occurs again.
\_______5_______/________4__________/_____3_______/____2_____/____1____/
-–All of the Time -––-Most of the Time-––- Some time-–––- Rarely-–––– Never
Circle one of the above four statements which best describe what your parent was likely to have done: 13‚ 14‚ 15‚ or 16.
V. Robin is a 16-year old who wants radically to change some aspects of body appearance. According to Robin most 16-year olds have had many things done.
17. The parent discusses the procedure with Robin in an attempt to obtain understanding why the child wants the procedure. The parent also discusses the outcomes that may or may not happen when and if the child chooses to obtain the procedure.
\_______5_______/________4__________/_____3_______/____2_____/____1____/
-–All of the Time -––-Most of the Time-––- Some time-–––- Rarely-–––– Never
18. The parent tells Robin that any type of surgery is not coming out of their pocket; therefore‚ if they insist they will need
to think about how they’re going to afford it.
\_______5_______/________4__________/_____3_______/____2_____/____1____/
-–All of the Time -––-Most of the Time-––- Some time-–––- Rarely-–––– Never
19. The parent talks with several experts in the area in question. They discuss the pros and cons of such a radical procedure with Robin but insist that the child not continue attempting to obtain surgery.
\_______5_______/________4__________/_____3_______/____2_____/____1____/
-–All of the Time -––-Most of the Time-––- Some time-–––- Rarely-–––– Never
20. The parent tells Robin that they need to concentrate on school success and developing their mind and not their body. They also state that they will refuse to sign any medical consent forms.
\_______5_______/________4__________/_____3_______/____2_____/____1____/
-–All of the Time -––-Most of the Time-––- Some time-–––- Rarely-–––– Never
Circle one of the above four statements which best describe what your parent was likely to have done: 17‚ 18‚ 19‚ or 20.
I. Four-year old Jesse wants to be allowed to ride bikes in the street like their 10-year old sibling. When the parent says no‚ Jesse screams and cries out saying “I hate you‚ it’s not fair!”
21. The parent explains that Jesse is not old enough to ride in the street‚ but when Jesse screams‚ the parent allows Jesse to ride with the sibling‚ while keeping a close eye on the 4-year old.
\_______5_______/________4__________/_____3_______/____2_____/____1____/
-–All of the Time -––-Most of the Time-––- Some time-–––- Rarely-–––– Never
22. The parent tells Jesse to go ride wherever they want because they don’t have time to argue.
\_______5_______/________4__________/_____3_______/____2_____/____1____/
-–All of the Time -––-Most of the Time-––- Some time-–––- Rarely-–––– Never
23. The parent explains to Jesse that the sibling is older‚ has been riding bikes longer‚ and knows how to be safe in the street. They explain that if Jesse attempts to ride alone or does not follow the rules‚ there will be no riding the bike.
\_______5_______/________4__________/_____3_______/____2_____/____1____/
-–All of the Time -––-Most of the Time-––- Some time-–––- Rarely-–––– Never
24. The parent says they have already told Jesse “No” and that screaming and crying will not change the situation. The parent states that Jesse should stay either in the yard or on the sidewalk or they will take the bike away.
\_______5_______/________4__________/_____3_______/____2_____/____1____/
-–All of the Time -––-Most of the Time-––- Some time-–––- Rarely-–––– Never
Circle one of the above four statements which best describe what your parent was likely to have done: 21‚ 22‚ 23‚ or 24.
II. Seven-year old Alex wants to help prepare a fruit salad for dinner. To prepare the salad‚ Alex will need to use a sharp knife. Alex would like to help with the cutting of the fruit into small pieces by using a sharp knife and placing the fruit in a bowl.
25. The parent considers the request and says that the sharp knife can be dangerous so Alex should use a butter knife‚ which is less sharp‚ and can still cut fruit easily.
\_______5_______/________4__________/_____3_______/____2_____/____1____/
-–All of the Time -––-Most of the Time-––- Some time-–––- Rarely-–––– Never
26. The parent is relieved that someone else wants to make the salad; they leave Alex in charge of making the fruit salad.
\_______5_______/________4__________/_____3_______/____2_____/____1____/
-–All of the Time -––-Most of the Time-––- Some time-–––- Rarely-–––– Never
27. The parent listens to Alex’s side‚ but for safety reasons directs the child toward another safer task.
\_______5_______/________4__________/_____3_______/____2_____/____1____/
-–All of the Time -––-Most of the Time-––- Some time-–––- Rarely-–––– Never
28. The parent tells Alex to leave the kitchen‚ and not to distract them while they are working
\_______5_______/________4__________/_____3_______/____2_____/____1____/
-–All of the Time -––-Most of the Time-––- Some time-–––- Rarely-–––– Never
Circle one of the above four statements which best describe what your parent was likely to have done: 25‚ 26‚ 27‚ or 28.
III. Pat‚ a 10-year old wants to attend the midnight movie with their older sibling and a group of the sibling’s friends. The movie contains some adult language and inappropriate sexual behavior (mild nudity). Pat loudly gives the mom reasons why seeing the movie is appropriate.
29. The parent tells Pat if they do decide to go to the movie to be aware that it may be inappropriate because of the content and late hour.
\_______5_______/________4__________/_____3_______/____2_____/____1____/
-–All of the Time -––-Most of the Time-––- Some time-–––- Rarely-–––– Never
30. The parent tells Pat that they will be playing cards with their friends on the night of the movie and they have to fend for themselves. They yell to come home directly when the movie has ended.
\_______5_______/________4__________/_____3_______/____2_____/____1____/
-–All of the Time -––-Most of the Time-––- Some time-–––- Rarely-–––– Never
31. The parent listens to Pat’s protest and reasons with the child why they should not attend the movie. In the end the decision is not to see the movie. Instead‚ the parent states that they will make popcorn and watch an appropriate video together.
\_______5_______/________4__________/_____3_______/____2_____/____1____/
-–All of the Time -––-Most of the Time-––- Some time-–––- Rarely-–––– Never
32. The parent tells Pat that under no circumstances will they be allowed to attend the movie with the sibling. In their opinion‚ the child is too young to see a movie of this type and besides the bedtime rule of nine o’clock cannot be broken for any reason.
\_______5_______/________4__________/_____3_______/____2_____/____1____/
-–All of the Time -––-Most of the Time-––- Some time-–––- Rarely-–––– Never
Circle one of the above four statements which best describe what your parent was likely to have done: 29‚ 30‚ 31‚ or 32.
IV. Kim‚ a thirteen-year old‚ wants to go on a first date. They state that all of the other thirteen year old girls and boys have already been dating. Kim was asked by a friend to go out to the mall and see a movie. After being asked out‚ Kim goes home and explains to the parent that this is an important opportunity.
33. The parent listens intently as Kim explains why dating would be a good idea. The parent wants to know all about the friend and why Kim is interested in dating. The parent trusts Kim to do whatever seems right after their discussion.
\_______5_______/________4__________/_____3_______/____2_____/____1____/
-–All of the Time -––-Most of the Time-––- Some time-–––- Rarely-–––– Never
34. The parent replied‚ “Sure‚ whatever!” to Kim’s request to go out with a friend without looking up from the television screen.
\_______5_______/________4__________/_____3_______/____2_____/____1____/
-–All of the Time -––-Most of the Time-––- Some time-–––- Rarely-–––– Never
35. The parent listens to Kim’s request for permission to go out with a friend. The parent explains that despite what Kim’s friends are allowed to do‚ Kim is too young to go on a date. Instead‚ Kim’s parents offer to allow the friend to come to dinner.
\_______5_______/________4__________/_____3_______/____2_____/____1____/
-–All of the Time -––-Most of the Time-––- Some time-–––- Rarely-–––– Never
36. The parent says that there is no way that Kim would be allowed to go on a date. Kim is too young to date and that’s that. The parent refuses to listen to Kim’s reasons for being allowed to date. Kim is told to follow the house rules or lose other privileges that are already enjoyed.
\_______5_______/________4__________/_____3_______/____2_____/____1____/
-–All of the Time -––-Most of the Time-––- Some time-–––- Rarely-–––– Never
Circle one of the above four statements which best describe what your parent was likely to have done: 33‚ 34‚ 35‚ or 36.
V. It is three in the morning and Taylor is not home. It is two hours past the curfew when the parents receive a call. Taylor explains that due to drinking‚ driving home is a problem. The parentagrees to pick up Taylor at a friend’s house.
37. The parent states that if Taylor is going to drink‚ to they should drink responsibly‚ i.e. secure a designated driver‚ if none‚ call the parent. Taylor should be concerned regarding responsibility for the well being of self and others.
\_______5_______/________4__________/_____3_______/____2_____/____1____/
-–All of the Time -––-Most of the Time-––- Some time-–––- Rarely-–––– Never
38. The parent complains over having lost so much sleep the night before because of Taylor’s lack of consideration by calling so late. The parent instructs Taylor to call a cab next time or just walk home‚ “It’s only five miles.”
\_______5_______/________4__________/_____3_______/____2_____/____1____/
-–All of the Time -––-Most of the Time-––- Some time-–––- Rarely-–––– Never
39. The parent listens to Taylor; however they stated that Taylor would be subject to more parental supervision until there are no more drinking episodes.
\_______5_______/________4__________/_____3_______/____2_____/____1____/
-–All of the Time -––-Most of the Time-––- Some time-–––- Rarely-–––– Never
40. The parent threatens to send Taylor to the juvenile hall. The parents tell Taylor that if this ever happens again the police will be the ones to pick up Taylor.
\_______5_______/________4__________/_____3_______/____2_____/____1____/
-–All of the Time -––-Most of the Time-––- Some time-–––- Rarely-–––– Never
Circle one of the above four statements which best describe what your parent was likely to have done: 37‚ 38‚ 39‚ or 40.
This instrument can be found on pages 68-77 of CONSTRUCTION AND VALIDATION OF A FOUR PARENTING STYLES SCALE. Available online at http://humboldt-dspace.calstate.edu/bitstream/handle/2148/522/Livia_Ribeiro.pdf?sequence=1
Elmore‚ B.‚ Weinstein‚ J.‚ & Ribeiro‚ L. (2002). The Parenting Styles Scale. Paper Presented at the Western Psychological Association meetings‚ April 2006.
Ribeiro‚ L. L. (2009)‚ CONSTRUCTION AND VALIDATION OF A FOUR PARENTING STYLES SCALE . A Thesis (M.A.)--Humboldt State University‚ Psychology: Counseling