Parenting as a Communication Process: Integrating Interpersonal Communication Theory and Parenting Styles Conceptualization

The goal of this article is to theoretically extend the perspective on the conceptualization of parenting styles (Baumrind, 1971; Maccoby & Martin, 1983) to, first, employ a reciprocal perspective on parent–child relationship dynamics and, second, explore potential antecedents of parenting styles. After presenting the parenting styles typology and the associations between parenting styles and child outcomes, I use constructivism and relational framing theory to illustrate how interpersonal communication theoretical perspectives can contribute to the parenting styles literature. Finally, I call for further integration of interpersonal communication theories and parenting styles.