Parental similarity on child-rearing orientations: Effects of stereotype similarity

Previous research findings on similarity between parents on child-rearing orientations have been questioned as more recent research has found fairly high stereotype effects between spouses. The present report addressed issues of level and consistency of similarity over time, using data from the first 4 years of a 5-year study of 136 families and their preschool children. Parental similarity was assessed using the Block Child-rearing Practices Report (CRPR). Standard estimates of similarity as well as estimates of a dyadic-level similarity score, with stereotype effects removed, were obtained. While correlations across time were positive and significant for both scores, the dyadic score was significantly lower than the unadjusted score at all time points. Results indicated that earlier significant findings, between similarity and marital relations, family relations and child outcomes, were caused almost completely by stereotype effects.