Ethnic Differences in Parenting Children in Fearful Situations

Abstract

Administered Zabin and Melamed's (1980) Child Development Questionnaire in their native languages to 20 Haitian, 20 Hispanic, 20 black American, and 20 white American mothers in a public hospital setting to inquire how they dealt with their children in various fearful situations. The white Americans were significantly more likely than black Americans or Haitians to report use of modeling and reassurance, whereas Haitians were less likely than the other groups to report use of these methods. Conversely, the Haitians were more likely than some of the other groups to report use of force in these situations. There were no significant differences in the groups' reported use of positive reinforcement or in reinforcement of dependency once two culturally inappropriate items were removed. The reported differences, especially those involving Haitians, were interpreted as reflecting historical and cultural trends.