What does Baumrind's parenting model focus on?

Baumrind's parenting model specifically examines the dimensions of parenting styles, particularly focusing on the level of control and responsiveness that parents exhibit toward their children. The model identifies three primary parenting styles: authoritative, authoritarian, and permissive, each defined by varying degrees of warmth and control.

In this framework, control refers to the expectations and rules established by parents, while responsiveness pertains to their support and emotional availability to their children. Authoritative parents, for instance, balance high demands with high responsiveness, resulting in positive outcomes for children, such as independence and social competence. Conversely, authoritarian styles are characterized by high demands but low responsiveness, potentially leading to issues like anxiety or low self-esteem in children.

Thus, the essence of Baumrind's model lies in understanding how the interplay of control and responsiveness can affect child development and behavior, making it a significant area of study within developmental psychology.