Review of Parental Discipline Practices and Child Behavioural Outcomes in Pakistan

This review paper explores parental discipline practices and their influence on child behavioural outcomes in the Pakistani context, with a particular focus on urban, lower-income households. Drawing from a purposively selected body of literature, the paper synthesises evidence on both positive and harsh parenting approaches, linking them to emotional and behavioural development in children. While positive parenting, grounded in warmth and consistency, fosters resilience and pro-social behaviour, harsh methods, such as shouting and physical punishment, are strongly associated with externalising behaviours, emotional insecurity, and long-term mental health issues. The review identifies key contextual stressors, including poverty, parental mental health, and socio-cultural norms, that influence parenting styles. It also reflects on intergenerational patterns, religious and traditional influences, and the evolving role of urbanisation and global exposure in shifting parenting norms. The paper highlights effective international interventions, such as the Triple P – Positive Parenting Programme, and underscores the need for locally adapted models sensitive to cultural and socioeconomic realities. The review calls for more context-specific primary research and intervention efforts to foster emotionally supportive, non-violent parenting practices that can positively shape children’s developmental trajectories in Pakistan.