Counselor Education Comprehensive Exam (CECE) Practice Exam

Parents who enforce a set standard of conduct and frequently use physical punishment to control their children are:

1. authoritative

2. authoritarian

3. uninvolved

4. permissive

The correct answer is: authoritarian

The correct answer is based on the characteristics associated with parenting styles, particularly the authoritarian approach. Authoritarian parents are defined by their high demands and low responsiveness. They enforce strict rules and standards of conduct and prioritize obedience, discipline, and control often through punitive measures, such as physical punishment. This restricted method of parenting emphasizes the importance of compliance over open communication or nurturing, which is why this style can be contrasted with others that might encourage dialogue or emotional support. In contrast, authoritative parenting combines high expectations with support and open communication, while permissive parenting allows significant freedom with few guidelines. Uninvolved parenting denotes a lack of responsiveness and engagement, leaving children to raise themselves with minimal direction or structure. Each of these styles represents a different approach to child-rearing, but the authoritarian style distinctly aligns with the frequent use of physical punishment and a stringent standard of conduct.