The overall aim of the studies presented in this dissertation is to provide insight in the differences and similarities between mothers' and fathers' parenting practices. Further, this... Show moreThe overall aim of the studies presented in this dissertation is to provide insight in the differences and similarities between mothers' and fathers' parenting practices. Further, this dissertation examines the effect of biological factors (i.e., parental sex hormones) and child factors (i.e., gender, age, and birth order) on parenting behavior of mothers and fathers. In Chapter 2 differences between mothers and fathers with respect to parental sensitivity and nonintrusiveness are studied, also examining child gender and birth order. Further, in Chapter 3 the effect of child age and birth order on mothers' and fathers' sensitivity and nonintrusiveness is examined longitudinally. Chapter 4 focuses on the association between sex hormones (i.e., testosterone) and parental sensitivity and nonintrusiveness of mothers and fathers towards their two young children. In Chapter 5 differences between mothers' and fathers' discipline strategies towards their firstborn and second-born children are examined, also taking into account child gender. Finally, in Chapter 6 the main findings and implications of the studies presented in this dissertation are discussed and suggestions for future research are made. Show less
This dissertation aims to address the gap in family research concerning the role of siblings in children’s social development. Firstborns’ interactions with their younger sibling and parenting... Show moreThis dissertation aims to address the gap in family research concerning the role of siblings in children’s social development. Firstborns’ interactions with their younger sibling and parenting towards all children in the family are investigated in a four-year longitudinal study following families with two children from the first birthday of the youngest child. In Chapter 2 the prediction of individual differences in sharing with a younger sibling by family and situational factors was investigated. In Chapter 3 the association between parental sensitivity towards both children and compliance and sharing behavior of the firstborn child was investigated. Chapter 4 focuses on sibling discipline and sibling support during parental limit-setting, and associations with inhibitory control, empathy, and gender. Finally, the effect of birth order on toddlers’ social development was examined with a longitudinal within-family design in Chapter 5. Show less
