The Relation Between Maternal Behavior and Childrearing Goals and Child Outcomes in Low-Income Black Children

The present study examined the relation between maternal goals and practices and preschool children's cognitive development and behavioral compliance. Fifty low-income Black mothers of three- to five— year-old children were interviewed and completed several questionnaires that assessed childrearing goals and practices. The HOME, a measure of maternal stimulation was also assessed. Children were administered the McCarthy Scales of Children's Abilities and an achievement test. Child compliance to maternal requests was observed in the home. Considerable diversity was found in maternal childrearing goals. For the most part, maternal goals were not related to child outcomes; however, indirect-internal techniques (Sears, Maccoby, & Levin, 1957) and stimulating home environments were positively related to children's academic and cognitive functioning. Power assertive techniques were negatively related to behavioral compliance. Results are discussed in terms of the diversity of goals and parenting practices that exist among low-income mothers and the adaptiveness of these practices for the environments i n which children live.