[Recalled Parental Rearing Behavior in the German Population in 1994 and 2020: Trends and East-West Differences].

Abstract

Recalled Parental Rearing Behavior is an important factor of socialization and vulnerability. Based on two representative surveys, Recalled Parental Rearing Behavior of fathers and mothers is compared between the eastern and the western German states from the perspectives of men and women in the years of 1994 and 2020. Participants, aged between 14 and 92 years, filled out the standardized Recalled Parental Questionnaire in 1994 (N=2948) and 2020 (N=2503). Results were compared by ANOVA according to time point, East-West-differences, sex and age. According to hypotheses, paternal and maternal rearing behavior was recalled in Germany as less punishing and warmer in 2020 compared to 1994. Parental rearing behavior of fathers and mothers was consistently reported less punishing and warmer in the eastern compared to the western states. Parental overprotection was more strongly recalled in 1994 in the western than the eastern states. As in the case of recalled warmth assessments in both regions converged over time. As in previous surveys, sons recalled their parents in east and west more punishing and less warm than daughters; daughters recalled their mothers only marginally warmer than sons. Older participants recalled parental rearing behavior consistently more negatively than younger ones. In the second survey assessments of the older cohorts were consistently more positive than in the previous survey with comparable age cohorts. Findings are discussed with regard to the impact of sociocultural characteristics on recalled parental rearing behavior under the aspects of cohort and age (e. g., convergence of sociocultural differences in East and West, gender roles, recall effects). On the background of robust associations with mental disorders, positive recollections of parental rearing behavior can be considered an important mental resource, reflecting multiple sociocultural influences and trends.