How do Turkish mothers discipline children? An analysis from a behavioural perspective.

A descriptive study was conducted to assess the disciplinary practices of Turkish mothers for increasing appropriate and decreasing inappropriate behaviours of their children. The participants were 50 mothers of 4- to 6-year-old children receiving preschool education. The data were collected via a questionnaire consisting of open-ended questions. The results revealed that the most frequently used disciplinary technique for strengthening desirable behaviours of children was presenting verbal praise followed by presenting activity edible and social reinforcers whereas the favourite disciplinary technique for overcoming behaviour problems was providing verbal explanations. These findings show that the participants seem to be benefiting from a variety of behavioural techniques for supporting their children’s appropriate behaviours. However they look less competent when it comes to discouraging inappropriate behaviours. These findings are expected to (a) offer an alternative data collection model for assessing parental disciplinary practices and (b) contribute to designing parent training and family-focused early intervention programmes. (authors)