Since the advent of this type of research, generally conducted through direct observation and by questionnaires and interviews with parents and children, classification has been based
on evaluations along two broad
dimensions of parenting styles: control / demandingness (claims parents make
on a child relating to maturity, supervision and discipline) and responsiveness (actions that foster individuality, self - regulation and self -
assertion by being attuned and supportive).
A relatively large sample of boys and girls (N > 1,000) was assessed
on three social skill
dimensions (Cooperation, Self - control, and
Assertion) at four time points (ages 2, 3, 4, and 5), and
on four parenting practices (cognitive and emotional involvement, avoidance of restriction and punishment, social stimulation, and social support for parenting) at age 2.