ADOLESCENTS' PERCEPTIONS OF PARENTAL PUNITIVENESS, REASONING, AND SUPPORTIVENESS, BY NUMBER OF SIBLINGS, SIBLING SPACING, SIBLING DENSITY, AND BIRTH ORDER

JEANNIE S KIDWELL, Purdue University

Abstract

This dissertation examines the family structural variables of sibling size, spacing, density, and birth order, as these affect adolescents' perceptions of the quality of their relationships with their parents. The dependent variables are parental punitiveness, use of reasoning, and amount of supportiveness, as reported by adolescents. The family structural variables are conceptualized as dimensions on a hypothetical sibling time line, which includes not only number of siblings but the way in which they are arranged, that is, the spacing and the order. Utilizing a secondary analysis of data of 1,767 tenth grade males, the principal method of analysis is multiple regression. The more important findings of this study are as follows: (1) Having a larger number of siblings increases perceptions of parental punitiveness and decreases perceptions of parental use of reasoning and supportiveness. This is consistent with previous studies. (2) As average sibling spacing increases, perceived parental punitiveness decreases; perceived reasoning and supportiveness increase. This supports the theory that having more time between the births of their children should allow parents more psychic and physical energy to devote to each child on a one-to-one basis, reduce dependency demands and pressures and, hence, result in a more relaxed disciplinary style and a more positive affective relationship with their children. (3) There appears to be a U-shaped curve between number of years between siblings (sibling spacing) and the dependent parenting variables. As reported by adolescents, a more positive parent-child relationship exists when they are spaced either very closely (12 months or less) or very widely (five years or more) from their closest in age sibling. This finding is contrary to previous discussions in the literature which propose a straight linear relationship. A spacing of four or five years, however, appears to be the most positive, as reported by adolescent males. (4) Sibling density, as a composite measure of both number of siblings and average sibling spacing, does not explain as much of the variance as does either of these measures alone. The best estimated equation is one in which number of siblings and average spacing are both included as separate controls. (5) The tests on birth order reveal two important results: (a) as opposed to being firstborn or lastborn, the adolescent in the middle of the sibling configuration appears to suffer from his status: he reports far less parental supportiveness, and much harsher parental discipline than does his firstborn and lastborn siblings. (b) It is important to note, however, that when the family size and spacing measures are entered into the birth order equation as statistical controls, the birth order effects become nonsignificant. This strongly suggests that future birth order studies must employ these important controls, and that previous birth order research, not utilizing these controls, be reassessed.

Degree

Ph.D.

Subject Area

Families & family life|Personal relationships|Sociology

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