The perception of the effects of spoiling held by mothers of infants six months and younger
Date
2006
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Publisher
University of Delaware
Abstract
Spoiling is a concern among parents and others who care for young children. Information about the concept of spoiling has been prevalent in the popular literature since the beginning of the twentieth century. Over time, the concept has maintained its popularity, as many authors have presented controversial arguments about spoiling. Empirically, however, the concept of spoiling as it relates to young infants has been studied rarely. Extensive empirical exploration of the concept is pertinent since it has been shown that parents who believe that young infants could be spoiled are less likely to perform essential parenting behaviors, believing such behaviors will result in a spoiled child. ☐ The intention behind this study was to contribute to the existing empirical data on the concept of spoiling and examine the possibility that an infant's sex impacts the perception that his or her mother holds regarding spoiling. Piaget's cognitive developmental theory and Bowlby and Ainsworth's attachment theory were used to frame and guide this study in order to present the cognitive abilities of young infants as well as the significance of secure relationships between infants and their parents. A survey was given to 55 mothers of young infants who were asked to respond to various questions about parenting behaviors. Responses were examined for important patterns. Some of the findings showed that among the sample participants, the belief in the possibility of spoiling young infants was prevalent. Other findings demonstrated demographic variations between the mothers who perceived spoiling young infants as possible and those who did not. Clear differences in the perceptions of essential parenting behaviors between these two groups of mothers were also observed. More empirical studies and continued exploration of spoiling are necessary for the well-being and healthy development of infants.