The Effects of Parental Control on Adolescents' Motivational Outcomes

• In Event: Social and Cultural Influences on Motivation and Engagement

Abstract

The present research investigated whether the effects of parental control differ by hierarchical positions of tasks. Specifically, it was hypothesized that parental control on higher order tasks (e.g., career decision-making) will be especially harmful to adolescents' motivation while parental control on lower order tasks (e.g., weekly homework) would have minimal negative or even a positive relation. Results of the two studies supported the hypotheses. Parental control on career decision-making (higher order task) had negative impact on students' academic (Study 1) and career motivation (Study 2). In contrast, parental control on lower order task (homework) had positive impact on middle school students' academic motivation and minimal negative impact on college students' career motivation.

Authors

• EunJin Seo, The University of Texas - Austin

• Erika Alisha Patall, The University of Texas - Austin

• Marilla D. Svinicki, The University of Texas - Austin