THE EFFECTIVENESS OF PARENTAL DISCIPLINE FOR TODDLER MISBEHAVIOR AT DIFFERENT LEVELS OF CHILD DISTRESS

Behavioral theories and Hoffman's information-processing theory have differing implications for how the effectiveness of parental discipline varies according to the level of distress experienced by the child. Consistent with behavioral theories, punishment was more effective in delaying the next recurrence of disobedience when toddlers' distress was high than when it was low or moderate. Consistent with Hoffman, reasoning and a punishment-reasoning combination were most effective at a moderate level of toddler distress. Thus, firm reasoning and a combination of reasoning with mild punishment are recommended.