Mothers' Parenting Discipline Style and Their Early Puberty Daughters' Engagement in High-Risk Behaviors

Mothers’ Parenting Discipline Style and Their Early Puberty Daughters’ Engagement in High-Risk Behaviors by Yvette C. White MA, Nova Southeastern University, 2000 BS, Florida Atlantic University, 1998 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Human Services Walden University November 2019 Abstract Some early puberty girls engage in high-risk externalizing behaviors such as early sexual activity, delinquent behavior, and disruptive behaviors. Harsh parenting experienced by girls who develop early has been associated with delinquent and disruptive behaviors. The purpose of this quantitative correlational study was to examine predictive relationships between the style of parental discipline by mothers of early puberty girls and the likelihood and frequency of the girls’ engagement in high-risk behaviors. Parenting style theory, including the authoritarian, authoritative, and permissive style of parenting, served as the theoretical foundation for the study. Survey data were collected from 28 mothers who identified as having a daughter who experienced early puberty. The Parenting Scale subscales were used to measure the dysfunctional parenting behaviors of laxness, overreactivity, and verbosity. Logistic regression analysis revealed no statistically significant relationships between the early puberty girl’s involvement in risky behaviors and dysfunctional parenting. Results may be used by human service and public health officials to increase awareness of early puberty and to promote public health policies to address the individual, social, and economic implications of early puberty in girls.Some early puberty girls engage in high-risk externalizing behaviors such as early sexual activity, delinquent behavior, and disruptive behaviors. Harsh parenting experienced by girls who develop early has been associated with delinquent and disruptive behaviors. The purpose of this quantitative correlational study was to examine predictive relationships between the style of parental discipline by mothers of early puberty girls and the likelihood and frequency of the girls’ engagement in high-risk behaviors. Parenting style theory, including the authoritarian, authoritative, and permissive style of parenting, served as the theoretical foundation for the study. Survey data were collected from 28 mothers who identified as having a daughter who experienced early puberty. The Parenting Scale subscales were used to measure the dysfunctional parenting behaviors of laxness, overreactivity, and verbosity. Logistic regression analysis revealed no statistically significant relationships between the early puberty girl’s involvement in risky behaviors and dysfunctional parenting. Results may be used by human service and public health officials to increase awareness of early puberty and to promote public health policies to address the individual, social, and economic implications of early puberty in girls. Mothers’ Parenting Discipline Style and Their Early Puberty Daughters’ Engagement in High-Risk Behaviors by Yvette C. White MA, Nova Southeastern University, 2000 BS, Florida Atlantic University, 1998 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Human Services Walden University November 2019 Dedication I dedicate this PhD to my daughter, Amanda McKenzie, and husband, Raymond Massey. On my journey, you sacrificed time away from me, patiently waited on me, and supported me when I needed encouragement. You helped me to never give up on my educational endeavor to complete the degree. I also say thank you to my mother, Olive Robinson. Although you may not have fully understood what I was doing, you knew it was important to me and therefore always encouraged me. You sacrificed all for me to obtain an education and complete this journey, and for that I say thank you! Acknowledgments I could not have completed this journey without the love and support of my family and friends. Thanks to my sister, Sandra Bailey, who knew I could do this even before I knew. Thanks also to my brother, Wesley White, who patiently waited for the right time to speak to me when I was not available. I also want to thank Walden University and all of my instructors for patiently guiding me in my studies. Dr. Gregory Hickman, you made virtual very real, and you were always accessible and willing to help. Dr. Jorissen, words cannot describe your level of patience; thank you. Dr. Sandra Harris, you pulled out the best in me. Thank you!