Which of the following best describes the three main categories of influence on parent behavior according to psychological research on parenting styles?

• A. Attachment style, discipline methods, and family size
• B. Socioeconomic status, intelligence, and nutrition
• C. Genetic inheritance, peer pressure, and media exposure
• D. Parent characteristics, child characteristics, and contextual factors

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that psychological research on parenting styles identifies three main categories of influence on parent behavior.
2. Recognize that these categories are broad and encompass various factors that affect how parents interact with and raise their children.
3. Identify the first category as 'Parent characteristics,' which includes traits, beliefs, and psychological states of the parent that influence their behavior.
4. Identify the second category as 'Child characteristics,' which refers to the child's temperament, behavior, and needs that can shape parenting responses.
5. Identify the third category as 'Contextual factors,' which include external influences such as socioeconomic status, cultural norms, and environmental stressors that impact parenting.