A qualitative analysis of autonomy-supportive parenting in families experiencing homelessness

Document Type

Article

Publication Title

Family Relations

Publication Date

2-1-2022

Abstract

Objective: This exploratory qualitative study examined whether parents of young children residing in emergency housing endorse autonomy-supportive parenting values. Background: Young children experiencing homelessness are at increased risk for self-regulation difficulties, but one possible way to support self-regulation development during a window of plasticity in the preschool period is through autonomy-supportive parenting. Autonomy support has been shown to uniquely predict early self-regulation skills. However, there is also evidence to suggest that autonomy support could be problematic in risky environments. Method: Twenty-one parents of 3- to 6-year-old children participated in a brief interview about parenting and self-regulation development. Guided by self-determination theory, the interviews were subsequently coded for themes related to autonomy support. Results: Parents endorsed ideas consistent with autonomy support, such as recognizing children's capabilities and listening to children's ideas. However, parents also viewed some behaviors, such as offering young children choices, to be less acceptable. Conclusion: Findings suggest that parents experiencing homelessness may provide autonomy support in different ways than parents in more stable living conditions or from higher socioeconomic backgrounds. Implications: Parenting interventions that aim to promote early self-regulation development through autonomy-supportive practices might consider tailoring intervention components to align with the socialization priorities of families experiencing homelessness.

Volume

71

Issue

1

First Page

147

Last Page

162

DOI

10.1111/fare.12626

ISSN

01976664

E-ISSN

17413729

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