Altruistic behavior and the parent-child relationship.

Tested the hypothesis that altruistic behavior relates positively to having parents who (a) are altruistic; (b) frequently use victim-centered discipline techniques, especially those suggesting reparation and apology; and (c) frequently express affection. Ss were 40 male and 40 female 5th graders-all middle class, white, firstborns of above average IQ. Their altruistic behavior was assessed in terms of peer reputation. Parental data were obtained from separate interviews with mothers and fathers. Altruistic behavior in girls related significantly to altruistic values of their mothers (p < .05) and fathers (p < .10) and to frequent use of victim-centered discipline by fathers. Altruism in boys related significantly to altruistic values of fathers, to affection, and to use of victim-centered discipline by mothers. Results suggest that altruistic children have at least one parent (usually the same sex) who communicates altruistic values, thus serving as model, and one who uses victim-centered discipline (usually the opposite sex). Affection appears influential only in the mother-son dyad. (33 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved)