IMPACT OF PARENTAL DISCIPLINE METHODS ON THE CHILDS INTERNALIZATION OF VALUES - A RECONCEPTUALIZATION OF CURRENT POINTS-OF-VIEW

It is generally argued that parental use of specific discipline techni ques (e.g., reasoning vs. power assertion) differentially affects a ch ild's internalization. This article offers an expanded formulation. In ternalization as a result of discipline is proposed to be based on a c hild's accurate perception of the parental message and acceptance or r ejection of it. Mechanisms promoting acceptance are perceptions of the parent's actions as appropriate, motivation to accept the parental po sition, and perception that a value has been self-generated. Features of the misdeed, discipline technique, child, and parent that affect ac curate perception and acceptance-rejection are outlined. Other goals b esides internalization, such as movement beyond the parent's position, maintenance of the child's self-esteem, and maintenance of the parent -child relationship, are discussed.