Question 1: How is the method (correlation) appropriate for its purpose?
Question 2: Identify the variables whose relationship the researchers are interested in, identify the predictor and outcome variable and relate them to the study?
Debrief Statement:
Previous literature has repeatedly demonstrated that excessive parental overprotection may adversely impact on a child's emotional, social and psychological well-being. However, few studies have sought to determine why parents may be engaging in these behaviours. The main purpose of this study is to investigate the influence that psychological and cognitive traits have on parental overprotection behaviours. Developing an understanding of factors that contribute to these parenting behaviours will inform the development of effective and relevant interventions that involve parents and families.
This correlational study seeks to investigate the impact of psychological and cognitive traits on parenting behaviours; as such the dependent variable of this study concerns parental overprotection behaviours. Limited research has implicated the role of parental anxiety in parental overprotection behaviours, however, other important theoretical factors have not been investigated. This study, therefore, aims to investigate the role of parental anxiety, attachment and thoughts/beliefs on parental overprotection behaviours.