Mothers and Fathers' Autonomy-Supportive and -Controlling Behaviors: An Analysis of Interparental Influences

• In Event: 52.085 - Poster Session 10
  In Poster Session: 52.085-2 - Motivation in Education SIG Poster Session 2

Abstract

The goal of this study was to examine interparental influences between mothers and fathers’ autonomy supportive and controlling behaviors. A total of 289 heterosexual parental dyads participated in a study with two data collections at a one-year interval. Both parents completed a questionnaire assessing their autonomy and controlling behaviors with their adolescent child. Results of structural equation modeling supported interparental influences, over and beyond the contribution of adolescent’s achievement, age, and gender at Time 1. Mothers’ autonomy support at Time 1 predicted fathers’ autonomy support at Time 2. However, fathers’ autonomy support at Time 1, did not predicted mothers’ autonomy support at Time 2. Nevertheless, significant reciprocal partner effects were observed on controlling behaviors.

Authors

• Frederic Guay, Université Laval

• Catherine Ratelle, Université Laval

• Valerie Lessard, Laval University

• Pascale Dubois