Parenting practices and child social adjustment: Multiple pathways of influence

This study explored pathways of influence linking parenting practices, chil d perceptions of their parents and peers, and social adjustment. Two dimens ions of parenting practices were assessed from both parent and child report s: warmth/support and hostility/control. Child perceptions of peers also we re assessed along these same dimensions. Parenting practices were related t o peer-reported social behavior, peer dislike, and child social problem sol ving. Children's perceptions of their parenting experiences were related to their social problem solving and their reported social distress. In some c ases, child perceptions of peer relations mediated the associations. The fi ndings are discussed in terms of the importance of both the family and peer domains for child social development and the influence that child percepti ons may have for psychological well-being.