Parental similarity on child-rearing orientations: Effects of stereotype similarity

Previous research findings on similarity between parents on child-rearing o rientations have been questioned as more recent research has found fairly h igh stereotype effects between spouses. The present report addressed issues of level and consistency of similarity over time, using data from the firs t 4 years of a 5-year study of 136 families and their preschool children. P arental similarity was assessed using the Block Child-rearing Practices Rep ort (CRPR). Standard estimates of similarity as well as estimates of a dyad ic-level similarity score, with stereotype effects removed, were obtained. While correlations across time were positive and significant for both score s, the dyadic score was significantly lower than the unadjusted score at al l time points. Results indicated that earlier significant findings, between similarity and marital relations, family relations and child outcomes, wer e caused almost completely by stereotype effects.