MOTHERS SOLUTIONS TO CHILD-REARING PROBLEMS - CONDITIONS AND PROCESSES

Hypothetical childrearing problems were used to examine the quantity a nd quality of solutions that 128 mothers of children of all ages gener ated and the problem-solving processes they employed. The set of probl em-solving processes (problem clarifying, contingent planning, and per spective caking) made a contribution to the quantity and quality of ch ildrearing solutions beyond the contribution made by maternal conditio ns (parenting experience, education, verbal ability and skill in solvi ng practical problems in general). Problem clarifying and contingent p lanning mediated the relationship between verbal ability and both the quantity and quality of solutions, but perspective caking did not. Fin dings warrant exploration of how maternal problem-solving processes an d the quantity and quality of childrearing solutions generated contrib ute to a parenting style that supports a child's development of interp ersonal problem-solving skill.