Which researcher studied the impact of child-rearing methods on self-esteem?

• A. Erik Erikson
• B. Stanley Coopersmith
• C. B.F. Skinner
• D. Jean Piaget

Answer: (B)

Understanding how parenting practices shape a child’s sense of self is what this item is about. Stanley Coopersmith conducted foundational work linking child-rearing methods to the development of self-esteem, showing that warm, accepting, and consistent parenting tends to foster higher self-esteem in children, while harsh, inconsistent, or neglectful approaches are associated with lower self-esteem. He even developed measures like the Self-Esteem Inventory to assess these effects, reinforcing the direct connection between how parents raise their kids and how children view themselves. The other researchers mentioned are known for different areas—Erik Erikson for psychosocial development stages, B.F. Skinner for operant conditioning, and Jean Piaget for cognitive development—so they’re less focused on the specific impact of parenting styles on self-esteem.