Práticas educativas parentais: um estudo comparativo da interação familiar de dois adolescentes distintos

The present study aimed to investigate and compare, through a qualitative approach, the parenting practices received by two adolescents. Each adolescent (16 and 17 years old, both male) was selected in a different institution: one was recruited in a NGO that sponsors the study in private schools for low income students who demonstrate high academic achievement; and the other was under provisory detention waiting for the judgement of an infraction. With the authorization of both institutions, individual interviews were conducted, based on the Scale of Family Interaction’s Quality (Weber, Viezzer, Brandenburg, 2003). The investigated categories were: affection, reinforcement, involvement, rules and monitoring, communication, punishment, self-esteem and deviant partner involvement. In the story of the adolescent under provisory detention it was found little involvement and demonstration of love; inadequate use of positive reinforcement, rules with little monitoring, coercive communication, extremely exaggerated punishment and deviant partner involvement. In the story of the other participant it was found a greater involvement and love demonstration, clear rules, adequate use of positive reinforcement, positive communication, use of mild and consistent punishment, and no deviant partner involvement. It is possible to conclude that coercive parenting practices predominated on the family of the adolescent with antisocial behavior, and the non-coercive practices predominated on the family of the adolescent from the NGO. Keywords: family interactions; parenting practices; parent-son relationship.