Abstract

The aim of the present study was to examine associations between parenting and child behaviour problems in two neighbouring countries with subtle, yet apparent cultural differences. Participants were mothers and fathers of preschool-age children from Latvia and Lithuania. Parents completed a measure of child-rearing attitudes and reported on their child’s internalizing and externalizing behaviours. In both countries, parental warmth was negatively associated with child behaviour problems, and punishment orientation was positively associated. There were differences by country in the association of paternal psychological control and behaviour problems, and in the interactions of parenting dimensions, specifically maternal warmth and punishment orientation. Possible differences in the meaning attributed to parenting practices imply considerations for parent training programs. Keywords behaviour problems, parenting dimensions, pre-school children In order to facilitate more positive developmental pathways for children, it is crucial to consider the role of the child’s early relationships within the socialization process and the develop-ment of adaptive or maladaptive behavioural patterns. Numerous longitudinal studies have demonstrated continuity of behavioural profiles from the preschool age to adolescence (Broidy et al.,