Autonomy Support

A randomized controlled trial across 15 elementary schools in Montreal evaluated a 7-week parent training program grounded in self-determination theory. Externalizing problems dropped significantly in the treatment group and the effect persisted at the 6-month follow-up.

A 5-year longitudinal German study of 789 adolescents identified four parenting profiles and found that “limited supportive” parents — who are generally warm but use conditional regard in specific situations — produced internalizing problem outcomes statistically indistinguishable from truly neglectful parents.