Is Authoritarian Parenting Style an Effective Child Discipline Technique?

Authoritarian parenting is one parenting style wherein a parent is strict, with high expectations of obedience to parental rules. Discipline is enforced and physical methods like spanking can normally be employed. By using this style, parents are requiring the child to follow strictly sets of guidelines. Can this child discipline technique really result in a well-behaved child?

Authoritarian parents use punishment as a form of discipline. Due to the strict conformity to discipline, children raised with this parenting style may seem to be well-behaved and are good at obeying authority. The child can show good behaviors at home and in public places.

However, studies have shown that this parenting approach is ineffective and harmful in the long run. A child raised by authoritarian parents can have tendencies towards anger and depression. The child tend to be more rebellious as she or she grows old and will feel certain degree of hatred to his or her parents. The child will have an unhappy disposition. It is common that the child have a low self-esteem. He or she will become introverted and will exhibit antisocial behavior. When this child becomes an adult, due to the experiences of physical discipline like spanking, it is likely that he will hit his spouse and child as well. It is also likely that depressive symptoms can be developed as the child grows.

On the surface, it may look like authoritarian parenting can lead to well-behaved children. But looking at the bigger picture, it is harmful to children as it can negatively affect the social and psychological well-being of the child.