Study IX - Father Personality and Parenting Styles

This study meets all standards required by the Concordia University Senate, the American Psychological Association, and the American Counseling Association for conducting research with human subjects. This study was approved by the Concordia University Human Subjects Committee on 3.13.09.


Background Information: All information is kept confidential. Individual data will never be used. We will not connect the data to a specific subject's name or email address. Individual information will not be shared with any individual or group outside of those working on this study. The researchers will combine and sum background information to describe the sample population, and for the purpose of analysis.

Tell us how you found the overindulgence project:

From the overindulgence.info web page
From David Bredehoft’s courses, speaking engagements or email list
From Michael Walcheski’s courses or speaking engagements
From Jean Illsley Clarke's facilitator mailing list or speaking engagement
From Connie Dawson's speaking engagements
From word of mouth (e.g., told about it by a friend, received an email telling about it)
From a Family Information Services newsletter and/or communication
From NCFR's CFLE listserve or publications
From a media source (e.g., Craig's List, Star Tribune, USA Today, Wall Street Journal,

      Minnesota Parent, a church newsletter, etc.)

Please indicate your gender: (Check One)

  Male
  Female

Please indicate the highest level of schooling you have attained: (Check One)

Grade School Diploma
High School Diploma
Vocational Technical Degree
Some College, No Degree
Associate in Arts Degree
Bachelor's Degree
Master's Degree
Doctoral Degree

Please indicate your age:

When you were growing up, compared to other families, did your parents have: (Check One)

a whole lot more money
more money
about the same amount of money
less money
a whole lot less money

What is your current household annual income?: (Check One)

Under $20,000
$20,000-$29,999
$30,000-$39,999
$40,000-$49,999
$50,000-$59,999
$60,000-$69,999
$70,000-$79,999
$80,000-$89,999
$90,000-$99,999
$100,000-$124,999

$125,000-$149,999

$150,000-$174,999
$175,000-$200,000
Above $200,000

Please indicate your present marital status: (Check One)

Never married

Living together with partner
Married
Widowed
Divorced

In the interest of racial diversity, please indicate your racial identification: (Check One)

White (Caucasian)
Black (African American)
American Indian, Eskimo, or Aleut
Asian or Pacific Islander
Hispanic (Mexican, Puerto Rican, Cuban, Central or South American)
Other 

Occupation: Please list your occupation in the space provided below. (e.g., history teacher) or (e.g., dietician):

State/Country: Please list your state if you live in the United States. List your country if you live outside

of the United States. (e.g., Minnesota, if you live in the United States) or (e.g., Spain, if you live outside

of the United States in the country of Spain):

Do you have children? (Open to all FATHERS who wish to participate - Check One):

Yes
No

Gender and Age of your Child(ren) (if you marked yes on the previous question):

First child: Male  or Female, Age

Second child: Male  or Female, Age

Third child: Male  or Female, Age

Fourth child: Male  or Female, Age

Fifth child: Male  or Female, Age

Sixth child: Male  or Female, Age

Seventh child: Male  or Female, Age

Eighth child: Male  or Female, Age

Ninth child: Male  or Female, Age

Tenth child: Male  or Female, Age

Eleventh child: Male  or Female, Age

Twelfth child: Male  or Female, Age

 

  • Please answer all of the following questions. Your first impression is probably the most accurate answer.

 

1. The problems of taking care of a child are easy to solve once you know how your actions affect your child, an

     understanding I have acquired.

 

strongly disagree

disagree

slightly disagree

slightly agree

agree

strongly agree

 

2. I meet my own personal expectations for expertise in caring for my child

 

strongly disagree

disagree

slightly disagree

slightly agree

agree

strongly agree

 

3. I would make a fine model for a new parent to follow in order to learn what she would need to know to be a good

     parent

 

strongly disagree

disagree

slightly disagree

slightly agree

agree

strongly agree

 

4. Being a parent is manageable, and any problems are easily solved

 

strongly disagree

disagree

slightly disagree

slightly agree

agree

strongly agree

 

5. If anyone can find the answer to what is troubling my child, I am the one

 

strongly disagree

disagree

slightly disagree

slightly agree

agree

strongly agree

 

6. A difficult problem in being a parent is not knowing whether you’re doing a good job or a bad one

 

 

strongly disagree

disagree

slightly disagree

slightly agree

agree

strongly agree

 

7. Considering how long I’ve been a parent, I feel thoroughly familiar with this role

 

 

strongly disagree

disagree

slightly disagree

slightly agree

agree

strongly agree

 

8. I honestly believe I have all the skills necessary to be a good parent to my child

 

 

strongly disagree

disagree

slightly disagree

slightly agree

agree

strongly agree

 

9. Even though being a parent could be rewarding, I am frustrated now while my child is at this age

 

 

strongly disagree

disagree

slightly disagree

slightly agree

agree

strongly agree

 

10. I do not know why it is, but sometimes when I’m supposed to be in control, I feel more like the one being

       manipulated

 

 

strongly disagree

disagree

slightly disagree

slightly agree

agree

strongly agree

 

11. My parents were better prepared to be a good parent than I am

 

 

strongly disagree

disagree

slightly disagree

slightly agree

agree

strongly agree

 

12. Sometimes I feel like I’m not getting anything done

 

 

strongly disagree

disagree

slightly disagree

slightly agree

agree

strongly agree

 

13. I go to bed the same way I woke up in the morning – feeling I have not accomplished a whole lot

 

 

strongly disagree

disagree

slightly disagree

slightly agree

agree

strongly agree

 

14. My talents and interests are in other areas, not in being a parent

 

 

strongly disagree

disagree

slightly disagree

slightly agree

agree

strongly agree

 

15. If being the parent of a child were only more interesting, I would be more motivated to do a better job as a

       parent

 

strongly disagree

disagree

slightly disagree

slightly agree

agree

strongly agree

 

16. Being a parent makes me tense and anxious

 

 

strongly disagree

disagree

slightly disagree

slightly agree

agree

strongly agree

 

17. Being a good parent is a reward in itself

 

 

strongly disagree

disagree

slightly disagree

slightly agree

agree

strongly agree

 

18. Do you think you were overindulged as a child?

 

never or almost never
seldom
sometimes, sometimes not
 frequently
always or almost always
  • The following items contain a list of behaviors that parents may exhibit when interacting with their children. The questions are designed to measure how often you exhibit certain behaviors toward your child(ren). Rate how often you exhibit each behavior with your child(ren).

1. I encourage our child to talk about the child’s troubles

 

 

never

once in a while

about half of the time

very often

always

 

2. I guide our child by punishment more than by reason.

 

 

never

once in a while

about half of the time

very often

always

 

3. I know the name of our child’s friends

 

 

never

once in a while

about half of the time

very often

always

 

4. I find it difficult to discipline our child

 

 

never

once in a while

about half of the time

very often

always

 

5. I give praise when our child is good

 

 

never

once in a while

about half of the time

very often

always

 

6. I spank when our child is disobedient

 

 

never

once in a while

about half of the time

very often

always

 

7. I joke and play with our child

 

 

never

once in a while

about half of the time

very often

always

     

8. I withhold scolding and/or criticism even when our child acts contrary to our wishes

 

 

never

once in a while

about half of the time

very often

always

 

9. I show sympathy when our child is hurt or frustrated

 

 

never

once in a while

about half of the time

very often

always

 

10. I punish by taking privileges away from our child with little if any explanations

 

 

never

once in a while

about half of the time

very often

always

     

11. I spoil our child

 

 

never

once in a while

about half of the time

very often

always

 

12. I give comfort and understanding when our child is upset

 

 

never

once in a while

about half of the time

very often

always

 

13. I yell or shout when our child misbehaves

 

 

never

once in a while

about half of the time

very often

always

 

14. I am easygoing or relaxed with our child

 

 

never

once in a while

about half of the time

very often

always

 

15. I allow our child to annoy someone else

 

 

never

once in a while

about half of the time

very often

always

 

16. I tell my child our expectations regarding behavior before she/he engages in an activity

 

 

never

once in a while

about half of the time

very often

always

 

17. I scold and criticize to make our child improve

 

 

never

once in a while

about half of the time

very often

always

 

18. I show patience with our child

 

 

never

once in a while

about half of the time

very often

always

 

19. I grab our child when being disobedient

 

 

never

once in a while

about half of the time

very often

always

 

20. I state punishments to our child and do not actually do them

 

 

never

once in a while

about half of the time

very often

always

 

21. I am responsive to our child’s feelings or needs

 

 

never

once in a while

about half of the time

very often

always

 

22. I allow our child to give input into family rules

 

 

never

once in a while

about half of the time

very often

always

 

23. I argue with our child

 

 

never

once in a while

about half of the time

very often

always

 

24. I appear confident about parenting abilities

 

 

never

once in a while

about half of the time

very often

always

 

25. I give our child reasons why rules should be obeyed

 

 

never

once in a while

about half of the time

very often

always

 

26. I appear to be more concerned with my own feelings than with our child’s feelings

 

 

never

once in a while

about half of the time

very often

always

 

27. I tell our child that we appreciate what the child tries or accomplishes

 

 

never

once in a while

about half of the time

very often

always

 

28. I punish by putting our child off somewhere alone with little if any explanation

 

 

never

once in a while

about half of the time

very often

always

 

29. I help our child to understand the impact of behavior by encouraging our child to talk about the

      consequences of our own actions

 

 

never

once in a while

about half of the time

very often

always

 

30. I am afraid that disciplining our child for misbehavior will cause the child to not like his/her parents

 

 

never

once in a while

about half of the time

very often

always

 

31. I take our child’s desires into account before asking the child to do something

 

 

never

once in a while

about half of the time

very often

always

 

32. I explode in anger toward our child

 

 

never

once in a while

about half of the time

very often

always

 

33. I am aware of problems or concerns about our child in school

 

 

never

once in a while

about half of the time

very often

always

 

34. I threaten our child with punishment more often than actually giving it

 

 

never

once in a while

about half of the time

very often

always

 

35. I express affection by hugging, kissing, and holding our child

 

 

never

once in a while

about half of the time

very often

always

 

36. I ignore our child’s misbehaviors

 

 

never

once in a while

about half of the time

very often

always

 

37. I use physical punishment as a way of disciplining our child

 

 

never

once in a while

about half of the time

very often

always

 

38. I carry out discipline after our child misbehaves

 

 

never

once in a while

about half of the time

very often

always

 

39. I apologize to our child when making a mistake in parenting

 

 

never

once in a while

about half of the time

very often

always

 

40. I tell our child what to do

 

 

never

once in a while

about half of the time

very often

always

 

41. I give in to our child when the child causes a commotion about something

 

 

never

once in a while

about half of the time

very often

always

 

42. I talk it over and reason with our child when the child misbehaves

 

 

never

once in a while

about half of the time

very often

always

 

43. I slap our child when the child misbehaves

 

 

never

once in a while

about half of the time

very often

always

 

44. I disagree with our child

 

 

never

once in a while

about half of the time

very often

always

 

45. I allow our child to interrupt others

 

 

never

once in a while

about half of the time

very often

always

 

46. I have warm and intimate times with our child

 

 

never

once in a while

about half of the time

very often

always

 

47. When two children are fighting, I discipline children first and ask questions later

 

 

never

once in a while

about half of the time

very often

always

 

48. I encourage our child  to freely express him/herself even when disagreeing with parents

 

 

never

once in a while

about half of the time

very often

always

 

49. I bribe our child with rewards to bring about compliance

 

 

never

once in a while

about half of the time

very often

always

 

50. I scold or criticize when our child’s behavior doesn’t meet our expectations

 

 

never

once in a while

about half of the time

very often

always

 

51. I show respect for our child’s opinion by encouraging our child to express them

 

 

never

once in a while

about half of the time

very often

always

 

52. I set strict, well-established rules for our child

 

never

once in a while

about half of the time

very often

always

 

53. I explain to our child how we feel about the child’s good and bad behavior

 

 

never

once in a while

about half of the time

very often

always

 

54. I use threats as punishment with little or no justification

 

 

never

once in a while

about half of the time

very often

always

 

55. I take into account our child’s preferences in making plans for the family

 

 

never

once in a while

about half of the time

very often

always

 

56. When our child asks why he or she has to conform, I state: because I said so, or I am your parent and

       I want you to.

 

never

once in a while

about half of the time

very often

always

 

57. I appear unsure of how to solve our child’s misbehavior

 

 

never

once in a while

about half of the time

very often

always

 

58. I explain the consequences of the child’s behavior

 

 

never

once in a while

about half of the time

very often

always

 

59. I demand that our child do things

 

 

never

once in a while

about half of the time

very often

always

 

60. I channel our child’s misbehavior into a more acceptable activity

 

 

never

once in a while

about half of the time

very often

always

 

61. I shove our child when the child is disobedient

 

 

never

once in a while

about half of the time

very often

always

 

62. I emphasize the reasons for rules

 

 

never

once in a while

about half of the time

very often

always

     

  • The following items contain a list of behaviors that parents may exhibit when interacting with their children. The questions are designed to measure how often you exhibit certain behaviors toward your child(ren). Rate how often you exhibit each behavior with your child(ren). Be sure not to omit any items.

1. I give my child all the clothes she/he wants.

 

 

never or almost never

seldom

sometimes, sometimes not

frequently

always or almost always

 

2. I give my child all the toys he/she wants.

 

 

never or almost never

seldom

sometimes, sometimes not

frequently

always or almost always

 

3. I allow my child lots of privileges.

 

 

never or almost never

seldom

sometimes, sometimes not

frequently

always or almost always

 

4. I give my child things that she/he has not asked for.

 

 

never or almost never

seldom

sometimes, sometimes not

frequently

always or almost always

 

5. I make sure my child is entertained.

 

 

never or almost never

seldom

sometimes, sometimes not

frequently

always or almost always

 

6. I schedule my child for lots of activities, lessons, and sports.

 

 

never or almost never

seldom

sometimes, sometimes not

frequently

always or almost always

 

7. I give my child more than he/she asks for.

 

 

never or almost never

seldom

sometimes, sometimes not

frequently

always or almost always

 

8. I seek out activities for my child to participate in.

 

 

never or almost never

seldom

sometimes, sometimes not

frequently

always or almost always

 

9. My child has more privileges than other children his/her age.

 

 

never or almost never

seldom

sometimes, sometimes not

frequently

always or almost always

 

10. My child has toys she/he has never played with.

 

 

never or almost never

seldom

sometimes, sometimes not

frequently

always or almost always

 

11. My child has clothes he/she has never worn.

 

 

never or almost never

seldom

sometimes, sometimes not

frequently

always or almost always

 

12. My child’s activities compete with our family time together.

 

 

never or almost never

seldom

sometimes, sometimes not

frequently

always or almost always

 

13. I make rules for my child.

 

 

never or almost never

seldom

sometimes, sometimes not

frequently

always or almost always

 

14. I enforce the rules I make for my child.

 

 

never or almost never

seldom

sometimes, sometimes not

frequently

always or almost always

 

15. I have my child do chores.

 

 

never or almost never

seldom

sometimes, sometimes not

frequently

always or almost always

 

16. I give my child lots of freedom.

 

 

never or almost never

seldom

sometimes, sometimes not

frequently

always or almost always

 

17. I let my child take the lead and dominate family matters.

 

 

never or almost never

seldom

sometimes, sometimes not

frequently

always or almost always

 

18. I expect my child to learn the same skills as other children.

 

 

never or almost never

seldom

sometimes, sometimes not

frequently

always or almost always

 

19. I hold my child to consistent standards.

 

never or almost never

seldom

sometimes, sometimes not

frequently

always or almost always

 

20. My child goes to bed when she/he wants to.

 

 

never or almost never

seldom

sometimes, sometimes not

frequently

always or almost always

 

21. My child has chores but does not do them.

 

 

never or almost never

seldom

sometimes, sometimes not

frequently

always or almost always

 

22. My child watches more TV than I like.

 

 

never or almost never

seldom

sometimes, sometimes not

frequently

always or almost always

 

23. My child interrupts my conversations with other adults.

 

 

never or almost never

seldom

sometimes, sometimes not

frequently

always or almost always

 

24. I tell my child no.

 

 

never or almost never

seldom

sometimes, sometimes not

frequently

always or almost always

 

25. I am involved in everything my child does.

 

never or almost never

seldom

sometimes, sometimes not

frequently

always or almost always

 

26. I give my child a great deal of attention.

 

never or almost never

seldom

sometimes, sometimes not

frequently

always or almost always

 

27. I do things for my child that he/she should be doing for him/herself.

 

 

never or almost never

seldom

sometimes, sometimes not

frequently

always or almost always

 

28. I do things for my child rather than see her/him in distress.

 

 

never or almost never

seldom

sometimes, sometimes not

frequently

always or almost always

 

29. I do things to make my child love me.

 

 

never or almost never

seldom

sometimes, sometimes not

frequently

always or almost always

 

30. I hate to see my child be frustrated.

 

 

never or almost never

seldom

sometimes, sometimes not

frequently

always or almost always

 

31. I anticipate what my child needs and provide it.

 

 

never or almost never

seldom

sometimes, sometimes not

frequently

always or almost always

 

32. I find something for my child to do when he/she is bored.

 

 

never or almost never

seldom

sometimes, sometimes not

frequently

always or almost always

 

33. When it is difficult, I do my child’s homework for her/him.

 

 

never or almost never

seldom

sometimes, sometimes not

frequently

always or almost always

 

34. I rarely leave my child to play alone

 

 

never or almost never

seldom

sometimes, sometimes not

frequently

always or almost always

 

35. My child usually gets what she/he wants.

 

 

never or almost never

seldom

sometimes, sometimes not

frequently

always or almost always

 

36. My child’s activities should be fun.

 

never or almost never

seldom

sometimes, sometimes not

frequently

always or almost always

Thank you for completing our study. Your responses are very important to us.

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