Maternal Socialization Goals and Children’s Requested Behaviors

Abstract

Abstract: This study examined possible associations between variables related to maternal socialization goals and the manifestation of requested behaviors among children living in a Brazilian rural community, in order to answer the following question: Is there any correlation between maternal goals and the manifestation of requested behaviors in their children? A total of 39 mother-child dyads participated in the study and the children were aged between 18 and 30 months old. We applied a questionnaire on socialization goals/educational objectives and a form to record the obedience prosocial behavior task. The results indicated that the more mothers emphasize “learning to support others” and “learning to understand others’ feelings”, the more their children follow the maternal requests. A significant correlation is suggested between a child’s response in performing the task and the mothers’ socialization goals, highlighting the importance of parents and educators establishing a conducive environment for the exercise of prosociality in childhood.

Keywords

• socialization
• prosocial behavior
• obedience