Conceptualizations of Effective Parenting: Perspectives of Religious Counselors in Ghana
Date
2022
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
SAGE
Abstract
Limited research on effective parenting and optimal child outcomes within an
African, specifically Ghanaian context exists. This study examined conceptions
of effective parenting from the perspective of religious counselors who
are often sought by parents for parenting advice. Two research questions
were addressed: (1) how do religious counselors conceptualize effective
parenting; and (2) to what extent do their conceptualizations reflect current
literature and research on effective parenting? 92 religious counselors, 19
Muslims and 73 Christians, were recruited from four urban areas in Ghana.
Participants were asked about effective parenting during individual interviews.
The findings revealed three major themes and several sub-themes. The three
themes were socialization and structure, positive parent-child interaction, and
autonomy support. Themes about what constitute effective parenting were
both consistent and inconsistent with traditional views of parenting within a
Ghanaian cultural context. Findings revealed some contemporary changes of
parenting in Ghana with implications for effective parenting.
Description
Research Article
Keywords
parenting, autonomy support, parent-child relations, Ghana