Abstract

This article presents the findings of a study conducted with a purposive sample of 40 abusive and non-abusive island Puerto Rican mothers about their knowledge and use of disciplinary practices. The mothers were interviewed using open-ended questions and vignettes. The questions required them to identify the behavior problems they most frequently confronted in their children; their knowledge of different disciplinary practices; and their assessment of the appropriateness or inappropriateness of child disciplinary practices. Mothers were then presented with the ten vignettes and asked to respond to the following questions: (1) How do you think each of these described situations should be managed? (2) Have you ever confronted such a problem? and (3) If so, how did you handle it? Both abusive and non-abusive mothers knew and used a wide repertoire of disciplinary practices that combined verbal-rational and punitive-controlling methods. Differences between abusive and non-abusive mothers were noted with more abusive mothers experiencing stressful socioeconomic conditions, confronting problems with their children, and more frequently, recommending and using punishments. Discussion addresses hypotheses for further research and recommendations for social work practitioners.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.