Abstract
Objective:
The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between discipline methods, and demographic characteristics and behavioral problems of the children.
Methods:
Participants were 442 parents who had children between ages 4-12 years old. The parents were asked for their own practices with a questionnaire including 8 questions. Additionally, Conners parent rating scale (CPRS) was used. Demographic data were collected from the hospital files.
Results:
The highest CPRS score was related to “money" as a prize and “beating" as a punishment. “Special time" was more frequently used by mothers (p=0.027) but “material prizes" were more frequently used by fathers (p=0.014). Boys were more beaten than girls (p=0.017). When gestational ages of the mothers decreased, frequency of “special time with the child" decreased (p=0.004). There was a negative correlation between educational level of mothers and prizing with “money" (p=0.005). Additionally, there was a negative correlation between educational level of fathers and punishing with “beating" (p=0.014). “Special time" was increased by the education levels of mothers and fathers (respectively; p=0.002, p=0.0001). In addition, when education levels of mothers (p=0.002) andfathers (p=0.008) increased, CPRS scores also decreased.
Discussion:
The proper and effective discipline is principal to normal psychological development. This study’s results provide important knowledge for family training program to the parents of our country.
Keywords: Discipline methods, parental attitudes, demographic data
