Daddy, May I? The Interaction of Fathers' Parenting Styles and Their Children's Personality

Abstract

While some research suggests that all types of parenting might be beneficial when the context is accounted for, a large body of literature has shown that warm parenting has the most beneficial outcomes for children. Additionally, because of the variable and discretionary role fathers often play, it is even more important to study the outcomes related to their parenting styles. The current study seeks to test relationships between parenting styles and the development of children's personality traits, specifically the development of Machiavellianism and conscientiousness. One hundred and seven undergraduate students (age 18-22) participated in the current study. The results suggest fathers who employ warm parenting styles showed significant effects on the development of children's personality traits. Moderation results showed an enhancing effect that as children's conscientiousness and warm fathers increased, children's Machiavellian personality scores decreased. Thus, a connection between parenting styles, conscientiousness, and Machiavellianism can be seen.