In six pages this parenting model developed by Jay Belsky is examined with a discussion of the researcher's moderation and such topics as working mothers are examined within the context of the model. Six sources are cited in the bibliography.
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parenting has sparked considerably controversy and the added fuel to the debate of whether or not working mothers damage their children through reliance on day care. The media
tends to portray Belskys position in extreme terms, slanted toward whichever position that particular writer favors. However, an examination of Belskys parenting model, with particular emphasis on the issue of
working mothers, finds Belsky to be much moderate than he is portrayed and also that his position is consistent with empirical research. Before directly addressing Belskys position on working
mothers, establishing an overall perspective on his parenting model is appropriate. Belsky asserts that the most influential factors in shaping parental behavior are the parents individual resources; whether the
parents are experiencing stress and have sources of support; and the characteristics of the child (Baharudin and Luster 375). Belskys model predicts that parents will provide inadequate care if
they experience "high levels of stress and low social support, and perceive the child as difficult" (Baharudin and Luster 375). Belsky also posits that specific characteristics of the parent can
influence that parents caregiving practices, and this includes personality factors and psychological well-being (such as self-esteem, depression) (Baharudin and Luster 375). Contextual factors may also influence the parenting relationship, according
to Belsky. These factors include the quality of the maternal relationship. Child characteristics that may influence how parents respond to a child include the childs age, gender, temperament, talents and
health (Baharudin and Luster 375). Baharudin and Luster used Belskys parenting model as their theoretical basis for research. Their study was designed to examine factors that are considered predictive
of individual differences in home environment that mothers provide and identify factors that relate to individual differences in childrens achievement (Baharudin and Luster 375). Their study verified the crucial points