Parental Behavior

The article by Lorence et al. (2019) examines parental behavior as one of the most influential factors on adolescent development. The researchers aimed to identify adolescents profiles linked to their behavioral problems, explore characteristics associated with the profiles and analyze the role of parenting style aligned with adolescent profiles. Three profiles were introduced: adjusted, external maladjustment, and internal adjustment (Lorence et al., 2019). Findings suggest that parenting styles determine the profile adolescents belong to. According to adolescents' behavior problem profiles, it is important to incorporate the connection between

2 / 3parenting styles and adolescent adjustment into interventions. The findings emphasize the necessity of combining family interventions with personalized interventions for adolescents who experience multiple stressful life events.  Three Most Important Things The first important finding based on this information is that the influence of parenting styles on adolescent adjustment varies depending on the specific problems experienced by adolescents. This finding has significant implications for the planning of positive parenting interventions. The finding highlights the need to recognize that different adolescents may face distinct challenges, such as internalizing (anxiety, depression) or externalizing (aggression, delinquency) problems (Lorence et al., 2019). Parenting interventions should be tailored to address these specific needs, acknowledging that a one-size-fits-all approach may not be effective. This is the primary element discovered in reading the article. Application is broad and relative to multiple individuals and family structures. The second important element, based on my reading, is the coordinated intervention to highlight behavioral issues and parenting styles. The study underscores the significance of combining interventions targeting adolescent adjustment with interventions aimed at promoting positive parenting styles. The findings suggest that families with adolescents who exhibit predominantly externalizing adjustment problems may benefit from interventions that encourage authoritative (firm but nurturing) and indulgent (permissive but supportive) parenting styles (Lorence et al., 2019). This holistic approach recognizes the reciprocal influence between parenting behaviors and adolescent adjustment. The findings and potential intervention are applicable in multiple settings. A third intriguing aspect of this reading is the emphasis on providing individualized support to adolescents with complex risk profiles while also recognizing the potential benefits of combining interventions that address adolescent adjustment and positive parenting styles. By acknowledging the specific needs and challenges faced by adolescents and tailoring interventions accordingly, it becomes possible to enhance the effectiveness of interventions in promoting healthy adolescent development and fostering positive family dynamics (Lorence et al., 2019). This concept recognizes the importance of taking a nuanced approach that considers the diverse range of problems adolescents may experience, such as internalizing or externalizing issues, and the varying parenting styles that may be beneficial in different situations. Therefore, by understanding these nuances and implementing tailored interventions, researchers and practitioners can better support adolescents and their families in navigating the challenges of adolescence and promoting their overall well-being. Confusing Concepts and Limited Understanding I find the Limitations section of the article to be confusing because it raises several limitations of the study without providing a clear explanation as to why these limitations exist. It is confusing why the researchers did not take measures to overcome these limitations and enhance the robustness of their findings. For example, relying solely on a single informant, typically the mother, for information about parenting styles and adolescent adjustment neglects

3 / 3fathers' valuable perspectives and contributions to understanding the dynamics of families. Including data from multiple family members and both parents would have provided a more comprehensive understanding of the adolescent's problems and family functioning. Another confusing element of the study presents statistical information without providing a clear explanation or interpretation of the findings. The inclusion of percentages and OR values makes it difficult to understand the practical significance of the results. Although it is mentioned that the neglectful parenting style had an impact on the probability of an adolescent belonging to the group with externalizing problems, the significance of this finding is not fully explained (Lorence et al., 2019). Additionally, the discussion transitions abruptly to the mention of normative changes in adolescence and the existence of different adolescent profiles based on the prevalence of adjustment problems, without clarifying the direct connection to the previous statistical information. Question to the Author Did the study consider any potential confounding variables or alternative explanations that could have influenced the relationship between parenting styles and adolescent adjustments, such as socioeconomic status, cultural factors, or other contextual variables? Exploring the influence of these factors could provide a more comprehensive understanding of the complex dynamics contributing to adolescent adjustment and help contextualize the findings within a broader socio-cultural framework. Further, considering the potential moderating or mediating effects of these variables could enhance the practical implications of the study's findings and inform more targeted interventions for diverse populations.

References

Lorence, B., Hidalgo, V., Perez-Padilla, J. & Menendez, S. (2019). The role of parenting styles  on behavior problem profiles in adolescents.

International Journal of Environmental  Research and Public Health, 16(15), 2767. Soyer, M. (2018). Lost childhoods: Poverty, trauma and violent crime in the post-welfare era.  University of California Press.

JG/A